MFS agents report customer frustration amid 96-hour restrictions
General people, along with activists and workers involved in election activities, are facing mounting difficulties after restrictions were imposed on MFS transactions ahead of the 13th general election.
Mobile financial service (MFS) agents in Dhaka have said customers are growing frustrated after finding key services unavailable.
An agent at Mayer Doa Departmental Store in Sutrapur said cash-out services for bKash, Nagad and Rocket have remained suspended since the restrictions imposed for the 12 February election took effect, leaving many customers unaware and disappointed.
Shamsul Islam, an agent in Wari, said cash-out and add-money services are halted, although customers can still send up to Tk1,000 through permitted channels.
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Similar occurrences are being reported outside the capital as well.
General people, along with activists and workers involved in election activities, are facing mounting difficulties after restrictions were imposed on MFS transactions ahead of the 13th general election.
With cash-in and cash-out services on bKash and Nagad suspended, many political activists and workers said they are unable to receive travel fares and small daily allowances, forcing them to rely on credit in certain areas.
96-hour MFS transaction limits
Bangladesh Bank has issued directives restricting MFS and peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions for 96 hours.
During this period, P2P internet banking transfers through Internet Banking Fund Transfers (IBFT) remain fully suspended.
Under a circular issued on 8 February, customers of bKash, Nagad, Rocket and other MFS providers may transfer a maximum of Tk1,000 per transaction from 12am on 9 February to 11:59pm on 12 February, with up to 10 such transactions allowed daily.
Sources familiar with the matter said the restrictions aim to prevent the flow of illicit funds for vote buying or sabotage during the election period. Full services are expected to resume after midnight on election day.
Shamsuddin Dalim, executive vice president and head of corporate communications at bKash, told The Business Standard that the measures intend to curb the spread of black money during the election. "We are complying with the central bank's instructions."
