The Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks to maintain limited operations on March 18 and 19 (Wednesday and Thursday), despite consecutive government holidays ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks to maintain limited operations on March 18 and 19 (Wednesday and Thursday), despite consecutive government holidays ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The instruction, issued on March 10 by the Department of Off-site Supervision, is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted financial activities in the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The move is intended to facilitate the timely disbursement of wages, bonuses, and other allowances to workers, as well as to support the purchase and processing of export bills.
According to the government holiday schedule, March 18 has been declared a public holiday by executive order, while the official Eid holidays begin on March 19.
However, in consideration of the increased financial demands in the export-oriented garment industry ahead of Eid, selected bank branches will remain open during this period.
The directive applies to branches located in major industrial hubs, including Dhaka Metropolitan area, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj, and Chittagong.
Banking transactions at these branches will be conducted from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, while overall office operations will continue until 2:00 pm. A break for Zuhr prayers will be observed from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm.
The central bank has also instructed banks to ensure adequate security arrangements at the operational branches and to provide appropriate allowances to employees working during the holidays, in line with existing regulations.
Industry insiders note that financial pressure in the RMG sector typically intensifies ahead of Eid due to the demand for salary and bonus payments. They believe this initiative will play a key role in ensuring that workers receive their dues on time.
