Bangladesh Bank has identified some 200 ATM cards of 26 banks that are running the risk of forgery.
The central bank on Saturday sent the card numbers to the respective banks, asking them to block the cards immediately.
These debit cards are believed to have been read by “skimming devices” during February 7-9, said a senior executive of the central bank.
“All the cards suspected as risky were identified from the ATM booths located in the capital as they are not protected by anti-skimming devices,” he said.
Banks have also been asked to inform the respective cardholders immediately about their decision to block them until new cards are issued.
The move came after some unauthorised transactions took place on Friday at several ATM booths of the Eastern Bank Limited (EBL).
The bank suspended ATM network services from 12pm to 6pm on Friday after getting complaints from clients about withdrawal from booths beyond their knowledge.
Similarly, some other banks also suspended their ATM services for a while and reduced the ceiling of withdrawal immediately after the card forgery news went viral.
Subhankar Saha, executive director of Bangladesh Bank, said: “Still, we are trying to understand the situation and then necessary measures will be taken.”
He also assured the clients that the respective banks would compensate them for their losses.
Meanwhile, the central bank sent an inquiry team to the three banks – UCB, EBL and The City bank – yesterday to examine if there was any negligence on the parts of the banks.
Panic gripped the banks and the clients following the card forgery case. Bangladesh Bank has, however, asked the banks not to suspend their ATM services from mere panic.
To stop people from panicking, the Bangladesh Bank has issued an instruction to the banks asking them to strengthen security at ATM booths.
