Businesses in Bangladesh are facing a liquidity crunch due to new central bank limits on daily cash withdrawals. As of the maximum daily withdrawal per account has been set at Tk 2 lakh, up from Tk 1 lakh. This restriction, implemented in response to security concerns following attacks on police stations and the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has led to widespread cash shortages at banks.
Customers are struggling to withdraw even the limited amounts, with some reporting they could only access a fraction of the allowed sum. This shortage is disrupting business operations, particularly for those dependent on cash transactions. Businesses, including oil wholesalers and commodity importers, are finding it challenging to manage day-to-day expenses and pay staff, leading to significant operational disruptions. The banking sector is shifting towards electronic transactions, but many small vendors and daily wage workers are still reliant on cash, exacerbating the situation.Â