BB asks banks to set up 60pc sub-branches outside city corporations, municipal areas

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed banks to set up at least 60 per cent of their sub-branches outside city corporations and municipal areas, reports news agency BSS.

“No sub-branch can be established below the distance of at least 1km from the controlling branch,” as per a BB circular issued on Thursday.

The circular also stated that the lease agreement for sub-branch premises must be for a minimum period of three years and the rent cannot be raised by more than 15 per cent during the period.

The approval of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee of the banks should be obtained for setting up the electronic booths and this should be reported to the central bank within 15 days of setting up booths.

Apart from this, the banks were instructed to follow the rules applicable to the branch regarding the cost of setting up these booths and the rent.

The BB also made some changes in the definition of Palli (Rural) and urban branches of banks.

Discipline will be established in banking operation and operation cost will be minimised following the instructions, sector insiders said.

Besides, directors and the influential people force banks to pay higher rent by setting up branches, sub-branches, or ATM booths on their own properties and buildings. This tendency will be reduced following the specific guideline of BB in this regard, they said.