30 Banks Restrict Digital Services

System migration on the Q-Cash network is temporarily restricting selected technology-based banking services at 30 banks in Bangladesh. From 9pm on October 4 to noon on October 10, customers may face disruptions to ATMs, cards, POS terminals, QR payments, IBFT, NPSB and e-commerce transactions, depending on the bank.

On Monday, October 5, several banks informed customers through SMS messages and notices about the temporary disruptions. The banks said the migration is being carried out to improve system capability, security and the reliability of banking services. Services are expected to resume after the migration work is completed.

The banks affected include Agrani Bank, Bangladesh Commerce Bank, Bengal Commercial Bank, ONE Bank, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Bank Asia, BASIC Bank, Bank Alfalah, Community Bank, First Security Islami Bank, ICB Islamic Bank, Jamuna Bank, Janata Bank, Meghna Bank, Mercantile Bank, Midland Bank, Modhumoti Bank, National Bank, NCC Bank, NRB Commercial Bank, NRB Global Bank, Rupali Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Shimanto Bank, Social Islami Bank, Sonali Bank, South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank, Trust Bank, Union Bank and Uttara Bank.

During the scheduled maintenance window, customers may be unable to withdraw cash through affected ATMs, make card purchases through POS terminals or conduct QR-based transactions. NPSB and e-commerce transactions may also be restricted, although the exact services and duration vary by bank. Some banks may keep alternative channels operational.

Modhumoti Bank said all credit, debit and prepaid card transactions, ATM services, IBFT and QR transactions would remain temporarily unavailable from 9pm on October 4 to noon on October 10. The bank attributed the disruption to the Q-Cash system migration being undertaken to provide more advanced and secure banking services.

Q-Cash is a card network that connects participating banks and their ATM and card infrastructure for transaction services. Published member lists show that a number of Bangladeshi banks are connected to the Q-Cash network.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arief Hossain Khan said the Q-Cash network migration was being carried out to ensure safer and more modern banking services. He said the affected banks had taken the decision to temporarily suspend selected services on their own initiative.

He also said Bangladesh Bank had not been informed beforehand. According to him, customers should have been notified in advance so they could arrange alternatives and reduce inconvenience.

The simultaneous disruption of technology-based services at a large number of banks could create difficulties for customers needing urgent cash withdrawals, card payments or fund transfers. Customers using affected banks are therefore advised to check their bank’s specific notice before relying on ATMs, cards, QR payments or online transaction channels during the migration period.

The temporary disruption comes as Bangladesh continues to expand its digital payment infrastructure. Bangladesh Bank reported that by December 2025, NPSB connectivity had expanded to 57 banks for ATM transactions, 55 for POS settlements and 56 for Internet Banking Fund Transfers.

//DBTech/FTN/BPO/MIST//