Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all scheduled commercial banks to keep branches and sub-branches located near cattle markets open until 10pm ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to ensure smooth and secure financial transactions during the peak cattle trading period.
The central bank issued a circular in this regard on Sunday, aiming to manage the surge in cash-based transactions at cattle markets across major cities and reduce risks associated with carrying large sums of money.
Under the directive, designated bank branches and sub-branches near approved Qurbani cattle markets will operate from 10am to 10pm from 24 May until the day before Eid-ul-Adha.
Regular daytime banking services will continue alongside extended evening operations to ensure uninterrupted liquidity support for buyers and livestock traders.
The directive applies to cattle markets under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Khulna City Corporation (KCC), Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Rangpur City Corporation (RCC).
In Dhaka North, designated cattle markets include Banasree residential area, Mirpur Section-6 (Eastern Housing), Mirpur Kalshi Balur Math, Dhaka Polytechnic Institute adjoining grounds, Basila Swadesh Property area, East Hajipara near Islampur Madrasa, Uttara Sectors 16 and 18 Bou Bazar area, Gabtoli Cattle Market, Khilkhet Mastul Checkpost area and Boroberaid Bashundhara Group grounds.
In Dhaka South, approved locations include Kajla Bridge to Matuail MWABP Water Pump area, Meradia Moat, Brothers Union Club area, Rahmatganj Club area, Postogola Shashanghat, Uttar Shahjahanpur Khilgaon Railgate Bazar, Sikdar Medical College area, Golapbagh Adarsha School grounds, Amulia Model Town, Dholaikhal and Sadek Hossain Khoka Field.
Outside Dhaka, the directive covers Bibir Hat and Sagorika in Chattogram, Lalbagh Sadar Hat in Rangpur, Zora Hat in Khulna and City Hat in Rajshahi.
To improve service delivery, banks have been instructed to set up temporary booths inside or adjacent to cattle markets.
These booths will provide cash deposits, withdrawals and account opening services for traders and customers.
Bangladesh Bank also emphasised strict security measures for cash transportation and handling during the extended operating hours, directing commercial banks to ensure coordinated security arrangements for booth operations and currency movement.
In recognition of the additional workload, the central bank further instructed banks to provide special allowances to employees assigned to extended evening duties.
