Dhaka, 13 February 2026 – Bangladesh Bank has officially lifted the temporary restrictions on mobile banking services, including bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, following the conclusion of the national parliamentary elections. The curbs, imposed from midnight on 9 February until 12 February, were intended to curb potential misuse of funds during the highly sensitive election period.
During the restriction period, person-to-person (P2P) transactions were capped at Tk1,000 per transaction, with a maximum of 10 transactions per day. Internet banking P2P transactions under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) were temporarily suspended. However, merchant payments, utility bill payments, and other essential services continued unaffected.
The measures, announced by the central bank on the night of 8 February, sparked challenges for many users, particularly those needing to send or receive urgent funds. Customers reported difficulties in conducting everyday financial activities, including remittances and peer-to-peer transfers, while the restrictions were in place.
After careful review of the situation following the stipulated 96-hour period, Bangladesh Bank authorised the full resumption of mobile financial services (MFS) and internet banking on 13 February. With the restrictions removed, users can now make P2P transfers without the previous limits, reverting to the standard transaction rules.
A spokesperson from the central bank noted, “The restrictions were temporary and precautionary, aimed solely at preventing financial misuse during the election. Normal operations have now resumed, ensuring uninterrupted financial services for all customers.”
The impact of the four-day restriction can be summarised as follows:
| Mobile Banking Service | Restriction Type | Transaction Limit | Duration | Merchant Payments | Status Post-Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bKash | P2P | Tk1,000 / tx | 9–12 Feb | Unaffected | Normal operations resumed |
| Nagad | P2P | Tk1,000 / tx | 9–12 Feb | Unaffected | Normal operations resumed |
| Rocket | P2P | Tk1,000 / tx | 9–12 Feb | Unaffected | Normal operations resumed |
| Internet Banking (NPSB) | P2P | Suspended | 9–12 Feb | Unaffected | Normal operations resumed |
Financial analysts observed that while the restrictions were brief, they temporarily disrupted daily transactions for millions of users, highlighting the growing dependence on mobile financial services in Bangladesh. With the resumption of normal operations, customers can now resume routine transactions and manage their finances without hindrance.
Bangladesh Bank has reassured the public that it will continue monitoring MFS activities to prevent any misuse during critical periods, while also ensuring seamless access to essential financial services.