It has been decided to continue banking activities on a limited basis in some important industrial areas of the country even during the holidays on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
Some bank branches in areas related to the readymade garment (RMG) industry will remain open on March 18 (Wednesday) and March 19 (Thursday).
Bangladesh Bank issued instructions in this regard on Tuesday (March 10). This information was given in the instructions issued by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDAD) of the central bank.
The instructions state that all branches and sub-branches of scheduled banks will remain closed on March 18 (Wednesday), the day between the pre-scheduled government holidays on the occasion of the upcoming Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr, as an executive order has declared a holiday.
However, banking activities will be continued on a limited basis in certain industrial areas to facilitate the payment of salaries, bonuses and other allowances to workers and employees working in the ready-made garment industry and the purchase of export bills before Eid.
Under this, banking activities will be conducted with limited manpower on March 18 and 19, ensuring adequate security in the branches of commercial banks located in Dhaka metropolis, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj and areas related to the RMG industry in Chittagong.
The office hours of the banks on these two days have been fixed from 10 am to 2 pm. During this, there will be a break for Zuhr prayers from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm. Customer transactions will continue from 10 am to 1 pm.
Meanwhile, to continue import and export activities in the bank branches, sub-branches and booths in the sea, land and airport areas (port and customs areas), in continuation of the previous instructions, limited activities can be conducted on government and weekly holidays from March 17 to March 23 (except Eid days).
In this regard, banks have been asked to take necessary measures in consultation with the local administration and port and customs authorities.
The instructions also mention that officers and employees performing duties on holidays will receive allowances as per the rules.
Bangladesh Bank said that this directive has been issued in the public interest under the powers conferred by Section 45 of the Banking Companies Act, 1991. The directive has been sent to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks operating in the country.