Banks across selected areas remained open in limited operations on Tuesday as Bangladesh observed a seven-day Eid-ul-Adha banking holiday from 25 to 31 May, with special arrangements made for garment sector payments and trade activities.
According to Bangladesh Bank, the operating branches followed restricted hours. Office activities were scheduled from 10am to 3pm, while customer transactions were allowed from 10am to 1pm.
A circular issued by the SME and Special Programs Department of Bangladesh Bank on 18 May stated that banks would remain closed from 25 to 31 May in line with the public holiday announced by the Ministry of Public Administration.
However, limited banking services were kept open to ensure payment of salaries, bonuses and allowances for garment workers.
Under the circular, banking operations were allowed in garment industry-linked areas including Dhaka, Ashulia, Gazipur, Savar, Tongi, Narayanganj, Bhaluka and Chattogram on 25 and 26 May under restricted arrangements.
Bank branches, sub-branches and booths located at seaports, land ports and airports continued 24-hour services during the Eid period. Import and export activities also remained partially operational except on Eid day.
The directive also stated that officials assigned to duty during the holiday would receive allowances as per rules.
The Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) said special arrangements were in place to ensure smooth cash transactions for buyers and traders at cattle markets. It instructed banks to keep nearby branches and temporary booths open from 24 May to the day before Eid in areas under Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Rangpur city corporations.
These branches were directed to operate from 10am to 10pm to facilitate cattle trade transactions near sacrificial animal markets.
