Bangladesh Bank has asked all commercial banks to be cautious about fake notes as forgers may attempt to release counterfeit notes ahead of the Eid festivals cashing in on increased demand.

Banks have been instructed to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of fake notes during the month of Ramadan, according to a central bank notice issued yesterday.

The BB advised banks to check notes before putting those in ATMs. At the same time, all branches were asked to display the security features of bank notes in video during banking hours.

The central bank fears that forgers will try to release fake notes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as cash transactions increase significantly during the festival, said a senior executive of BB.

He said banks have been instructed to ensure the use of modern fake-note detecting machine at branch level.

People transacted Tk 17,000 crore in the fortnight ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr in 2015, according to BB.