Bangladesh Bank orders fake note detection booths at cattle markets

Bangladesh Bank has directed all commercial banks to set up dedicated counterfeit currency detection booths at cattle markets across the country to ensure the security of large-scale cash transactions during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

The central bank issued a circular in this regard recently asking banks to deploy note-counting and currency authentication machines to prevent the circulation of fake notes during the peak sacrificial animal trading period.

According to the directive, each commercial bank must appoint a focal coordinating officer for the operation and submit their names, designations and contact details to Bangladesh Bank by May 17.

For cattle markets in Dhaka North and South City Corporations, specific banks have been assigned individual markets to operate booths until the night before Eid.

Outside Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank's regional offices will coordinate the arrangement, while Sonali Bank will lead coordination in districts where the central bank has no branch presence.

The circular also instructed that the booths must provide uninterrupted service throughout the trading period up to Eid night.

Banks have been asked to maintain close coordination with local administrations, city corporations, municipalities and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth operations and security.

In Dhaka North, banks including Islami Bank, Shimanto Bank, AB Bank, National Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Eastern Bank, IFIC Bank, Meghna Bank, United Commercial Bank, City Bank, Agrani Bank, BRAC Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Bank Asia, Jamuna Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank and BASIC Bank have been assigned responsibilities.

In Dhaka South, 19 banksincluding Premier Bank, Uttara Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Dhaka Bank, Rupali Bank, Janata Bank, One Bank, Modhumoti Bank, Community Bank, Pubali Bank, Mercantile Bank, NCC Bank and Sonali Bank—have been deployed to operate detection booths across 13 designated cattle markets.

Central bank officials said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding financial transactions during the festive season and ensuring confidence among buyers and sellers in a cash-intensive market.