Normal operations at banks and financial institutions across the country will remain suspended for five consecutive days starting Tuesday on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Trading at the country’s two stock exchanges, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), will also remain closed over the same period alongside banking operations, owing to the direct link between stock transactions and banking services.
According to directives from Bangladesh Bank, a three-day official public holiday for Durga Puja will be observed from 20 to 22 October.
The closure extends to five consecutive days as 23 and 24 October fall on Friday and Saturday, the weekly weekend holidays.
To keep banking activities functional ahead of the prolonged break, banks were kept open on Saturday and conducted business like a regular working day.
While general banking will remain suspended during the holiday period, limited banking services will operate at bank branches and booths in seaport, land port, and airport areas to facilitate import and export activities.
In line with the directives, relevant banks must take necessary measures in consultation with local administration as well as port and customs authorities to ensure smooth port and customs clearance.
