Banks to remain closed on March 18 ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

Business Report :

Banks across the country will remain shut on March 18, a government-declared holiday, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, Bangladesh Bank said the decision followed a government notification declaring a public holiday on March 18.

However, the central bank said banking services would remain available on a limited scale on March 18 and 19 to support the payment of wages, bonuses and other allowances to workers employed in export-oriented industries, including garments, textiles, leather, jute and other sectors.

According to the circular, bank offices will operate from 10:00am to 2:00pm, with a Zuhr prayer break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm, while customer transactions will be conducted from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Bangladesh Bank also instructed that branches and sub-branches located in sea, land and airport areas, as well as customs zones, will remain open during the Eid holidays to facilitate international trade.

These branches will provide banking services for import and export activities, including the submission and settlement of shipping documents, in coordination with customs authorities and relevant government offices.

Officials and employees assigned duties during the holiday will receive allowances in accordance with existing rules, the central bank said.

The directive has been issued under the relevant provisions of the Bank Company Act, 1991.