Business & Economy

Central bank tells National Bank to restore on-demand cash access from 15 October

Bangladesh Bank directed National Bank PLC to make adequate cash available at its branches and ATMs from 15 October so depositors can withdraw funds according to their needs. The central bank offered support if the lender faces liquidity difficulties. The directive is forward-looking and does not mean unrestricted withdrawals have already resumed.

Bengal Brief · 8 October 2026 · 1 min read

From 9 October 2026 — Daily Brief

Bangladesh Bank has instructed National Bank PLC to ensure sufficient cash is available at branches and automated teller machines from 15 October, with the aim of allowing depositors to withdraw money according to their requirements.

The directive was issued after discussions on 8 October between the central bank’s governor and National Bank’s leadership. Officials acknowledged customer concerns over cash access and the lender’s liquidity position.

The central bank indicated that it would support the bank if additional cash was needed to meet depositors’ demands. National Bank’s chairman described changes to management and governance as part of the lender’s efforts to stabilise operations.

These are instructions and assurances about a future date rather than proof that every withdrawal restriction has already disappeared. Depositors should watch for the bank’s operational arrangements as 15 October approaches. The development highlights how access to savings is a key measure of trust in the banking system.

Source reporting: UNB · The Financial Express · Jago News 24

Keep reading

View all ↗

Business & Economy

Mongla rally backs solar expansion and demands Sundarbans safeguards

Speakers at a Mongla rally urged faster solar expansion alongside stronger protection of the Sundarbans. Khulna’s city administrator outlined the planned 442MW Rampal solar project. Environmental campaigners welcomed it while pressing for cancellation of nearby coal and proposed LNG projects, keeping ecological safeguards central to the debate.

1 min read203 words

Business & Economy

Oil climbs as Middle East supply fears intensify

Oil rose as traders weighed threats to Middle Eastern supplies and shipping. Brent exceeded $114 a barrel during 23 October trading, with further gains later in the session. Analysts pointed to risks from a wider conflict and uncertainty over how quickly disrupted transport routes could recover.

1 min read193 words

Business & Economy

Gold falls another Tk2,158 per bhori as BAJUS cuts prices again

BAJUS cut the VAT-inclusive price of 22-carat gold by another Tk2,158 per bhori to Tk224,182, effective from 10am on 23 October. The reduction follows the previous day’s cut. Silver also became cheaper, while jewellery-making charges remain dependent on the design.

1 min read180 words

Business & Economy

Tk592 crore Titas gas-well proposal set for ECNEC review

A Tk592 crore proposal for two Titas gas wells is scheduled for ECNEC consideration on 25 October, officials disclosed on 22 October. The wells could add about 30 million cubic feet of gas daily. Government and company funds would finance the project; approval and future production remain pending.

1 min read148 words

Business & Economy

Gold price falls as BAJUS cuts rates by Tk1,691

BAJUS cut the price of 22-carat gold jewellery by Tk1,691 per bhori to Tk226,340, including VAT, from 10am on 22 October. The association cited lower local pure-gold prices. Other gold categories and silver also fell. This was the second gold-price cut in nine days; one bhori equals 11.664 grammes.

1 min read156 words

Business & Economy

Bangladesh and Algeria discuss energy imports and wider industrial cooperation

Bangladesh and Algeria discussed energy imports, fertiliser supplies and textile cooperation in Algiers on 22 October. Officials said a hydrocarbon memorandum signed earlier could support government-to-government fuel trade, infrastructure and training. The talks set out areas for cooperation without announcing a quantified shipment or completed commercial supply contract.

1 min read154 words