Banks to remain open today, Sunday

All scheduled banks across the country remain open on Saturday and Sunday, maintaining regular banking operations and transaction hours as usual ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

Although Saturday is typically observed as a weekly holiday, the decision has been taken to keep both public and private banks and financial institutions open over the weekend to facilitate customer transactions before the extended Eid break, according to a Bangladesh Bank recent circular.

Banking services will continue normally on Sunday as well, allowing customers to complete essential financial activities ahead of the holiday period.

Following the weekend operations, all scheduled banks will remain closed from May 25 to May 31 for the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, resulting in a seven-day consecutive closure across the banking sector. Eid-ul-Azha will be observed in the country on May 28.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification declaring holidays for government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private institutions during the same period, with the usual Saturday weekly holiday also cancelled.

In line with the government decision, the Bangladesh Bank has also issued directives regarding holiday arrangements for public and private banks and other financial institutions.

Meanwhile, branches of commercial banks in industrial areas will remain open on May 25 and 26 to facilitate the payment of wages, bonuses and other allowances for workers and employees in the readymade garment sector, as well as to support import and export-related banking activities.

These designated branches will operate from 10am to 3pm, while customer transaction services will remain available until 1pm, the circular added.