Bangladesh Bank has summoned the senior executive management of IT Consultants PLC—the operational authority behind the Q-Cash network—following severe disruptions in digital banking, ATM, and card services across 31 commercial banks. The central bank issued stern directives to restore all card and ATM transaction processing capabilities without delay to alleviate consumer distress.
The regulatory intervention was formally confirmed in an official press release issued by Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday (October 7, 2026).
Outage Originating October 4: According to Bangladesh Bank, technical anomalies began at 9:00 PM on Sunday (October 4, 2026) following a network operating system upgrade on the Q-Cash switching platform. The glitch impacted card transactions, ATM operations, and interbank routing via National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) for 31 member banks.
Accountability & Executive Summons: To safeguard consumer interests and maintain financial transaction continuity, the central bank summoned top executives from IT Consultants PLC for formal inquiry and established a strict deadline for technical resolution.
Direct NPSB & MFS Operations Intact: Bangladesh Bank emphasized that commercial banks directly connected to the NPSB platform, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers, and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) continue to operate normally without disruption.
Core Interbank Systems Operational: Key national clearing and settlement systems managed by the central bank—including the Bangladesh Automated Cheque Processing System (BACPS), Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN), and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)—remain 100% operational.
Advisory for Bank Customers: Central bank authorities have advised account holders at affected banks to utilize internet banking, MFS channels, or alternative electronic payment platforms while card services are being restored.
