B Mirror Report:  Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all scheduled banks to set up counterfeit currency verification booths at authorized cattle markets across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to prevent the circulation of forged banknotes during the festive trading period.

In a circular issued today, the central bank outlined detailed operational guidelines for ensuring secure financial transactions at sacrificial animal markets nationwide.

According to the directive, the verification booths must remain operational from the opening of cattle markets until the night before Eid-ul-Azha. Banks have been instructed to provide note verification and cash-counting services free of charge to traders and buyers.

The booths will be equipped with modern note-counting and counterfeit detection machines, while trained cash officers will be deployed to identify fake currency. Each booth must also display clear signage identifying it as a “Fake Note Verification Booth” for public awareness.

To ensure coordination, each scheduled bank will appoint a Deputy General Manager-level official as coordinator. In areas without central bank branches, Sonali Bank PLC will lead operations through its chest branches in coordination with other banks.

Bangladesh Bank also directed banks to provide allowances and benefits to staff assigned to booth duties during the Eid period. Cooperation with local administrations and law enforcement agencies, including police, RAB, BGB, and Ansar, has been emphasized to ensure security.

The circular further instructs officials to strictly follow procedures for handling suspected counterfeit notes, including seizure, identity verification of the presenter, recording of statements, and marking notes as “Forged” or “Fake.” In cases of suspected intentional fraud, matters must be referred to police for investigation.

As part of public awareness efforts, banks have also been asked to display videos on security features of genuine banknotes in branches during banking hours ahead of Eid.

Specific banks have been assigned to manage major cattle markets in Dhaka, including Gabtoli, Sarulia, Uttara Diabari, Merul Badda, Dhaka Polytechnic area, Shyampur Kadamtali, and Golapbagh.

Bangladesh Bank said the initiative aims to protect traders, farmers, and consumers from financial fraud and ensure transparency in the livestock market during one of the country’s busiest seasonal trading periods.