Banks to remain closed for 7 days during Eid; only some branches to stay open on 25, 26 May

Banks across Bangladesh will remain closed for seven consecutive days from 25 to 31 May during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. However, the Bangladesh Bank has directed some bank branches in garment industrial areas to remain open on 25 and 26 May to facilitate salary payments for workers in the sector.

The central bank issued a circular in this regard yesterday (17 May) and sent it to the chief executives of all scheduled banks.

According to the circular, all bank branches and sub-branches will remain open on Saturday (23 May) and Sunday (24 May), following regular office hours in line with a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration.

To ensure payment of salaries, bonuses and other allowances to workers and employees in the ready-made garment sector ahead of Eid, and to keep import-export activities operational, limited banking services will continue in industry areas such as Dhaka metropolitan, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj and Chattogram.

In these areas, selected bank branches will remain open on 25 and 26 May with limited staff. Office hours will be from 10am to 3pm, while transactions will take place from 10am to 1pm.

Besides, bank branches operating in sea ports, land ports and airport areas have been instructed to provide limited services from 25 to 31 May to support import and export activities.

Bangladesh Bank also said officials and employees working during the holidays will receive allowances in accordance with existing rules.