Bangladesh Bank orders booths set up at cattle markets to curb fake notes

In a move to prevent circulation of counterfeit currency ahead of Eid al-Azha, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has directed commercial banks to set up note verification booths at cattle markets across the country.

In a circular issued on Sunday (May 10), the central bank instructed banks to ensure uninterrupted cash authentication services at livestock markets in the lead-up to Eid.

The directive requires each bank to appoint a focal officer and submit their name, designation and mobile number to Bangladesh Bank via email by May 17.

According to the instruction, booths must remain operational until the eve of Eid night, coordinating closely with local administrations, city corporations, district authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth management.

For Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank has assigned specific banks to designated cattle markets under both the North and South City Corporations. Outside the capital, regional offices of the central bank will allocate responsibilities, while in districts without Bangladesh Bank branches, Sonali Bank will coordinate distribution of duties among commercial banks.

In Dhaka North City Corporation areas, banks including Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, City Bank PLC, Brac Bank PLC, Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC, AB Bank PLC and several others have been assigned to operate verification booths at different markets.

In Dhaka South City Corporation, 19 banks have been allocated responsibilities across 13 cattle markets, including Sonali Bank PLC, Janata Bank PLC, Rupali Bank PLC, Pubali Bank PLC and The Premier Bank PLC.

Officials said the initiative aims to ensure secure cash transactions at livestock markets during the Eid season and reduce risks associated with counterfeit currency circulation.