Midland’s Major Maintenance: Bank to Briefly Block Banking

Midland Bank, a private sector lender, will suspend all digital transaction operations for three days to upgrade its core banking system. From 8:00 am on October 1 until 8:00 am on October 4, no banking services will be available at the bank. This suspension includes branches, sub-branches, agent banking, debit cards, ATMs, BSIPS, BEFTN, RTGS, NPSB, and all other banking channels.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 24, through a circular issued by Bangladesh Bank. The central bank granted approval based on an application submitted by Midland Bank.

The circular stated, “To ensure the smooth execution of the existing core banking system (CBS) upgrade, Midland Bank PLC has requested and been granted permission to temporarily suspend all banking operations from 8:00 am on October 1, 2025, to 8:00 am on October 4, 2025. This includes branches, sub-branches, agent banking, debit cards, ATMs, BSIPS, BEFTN, RTGS, NPSB, and other services. This approval is issued under the powers conferred by Section 45 of the Bank Companies Act, 1991.”

Core banking is a banking service delivered across networked branches, allowing customers to access their accounts and conduct basic transactions from any branch office. It is generally linked to retail banking, with many banks treating retail clients as their primary customer base. Businesses and corporations typically manage their banking through the corporate banking division. Core banking primarily facilitates deposit acceptance and loan disbursement.

Under core banking, services include account management, loans, mortgages, and payment facilities. Banks deliver these services to customers through multiple channels such as automated teller machines (ATMs), internet banking, mobile banking, and branch offices. Banking software and network technology allow banks to centralize records and grant access from any location.