Banks get 9 days of Eid holiday

Banks will remain closed for nine days, starting 28 March, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Bangladesh Bank issued a circular regarding the holiday today (24 March).

However, some branches in industrial areas have been asked to continue operations on 28-29 March to facilitate payment of garment workers' salary, Eid bonus, allowances and export-import activities. 

According to the circular, all branches and sub-branches of scheduled banks will remain closed on 3 April due to a government-declared holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Prior to Eid, bank branches in relevant areas will remain open on 28-29 March to facilitate the sale of export bills by institutions related to the ready-made garment industry, as well as the payment of salaries, bonuses, and other allowances to workers in the industry. 

This applies to garment industry areas in Dhaka metropolitan city, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram.

As per the instructions, some branches will remain open from 10am-3pm on Friday (28 March) and transactions will be conducted from 10am-12pm. 

On Saturday, branches will remain open from 10am-2pm, with transactions taking place from 10am-1pm. 

Adequate security must be ensured at the branches operating during this period, said the central bank.

Additionally, instructions have been issued to pay allowances to officers and employees on duty during the holidays in accordance with the rules.