Bangladesh’s central bank has announced a special banking schedule to ensure that critical financial transactions continue smoothly during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The directive, issued on Thursday by the Payment Systems Department (PSD-2) of Bangladesh Bank, outlines limited banking operations and revised interbank cheque clearing arrangements for selected industrial areas.
According to the notification, banks will remain partially open on 18 and 19 March to facilitate essential financial activities, particularly those linked to the country’s export-oriented garment industry. The temporary measure is intended to help factories pay wages, bonuses, and other allowances to workers ahead of Eid, while also enabling uninterrupted processing of export bills and related trade transactions.
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Focus on Key Industrial Zones
Limited banking services will be available in major industrial clusters where financial transactions related to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector are most concentrated. These areas include Dhaka metropolitan region, as well as Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram.
Selected branches of commercial banks in these zones will operate with a reduced workforce while maintaining adequate security arrangements. The central bank has instructed financial institutions to ensure that sufficient technological support and operational readiness are in place so that priority transactions can be handled efficiently despite the shortened working hours.
The RMG sector remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy, accounting for the majority of the country’s foreign-exchange earnings. In the weeks leading up to Eid, garment factories typically face intense pressure to complete wage disbursements and settle export-related payments. A complete closure of banking services during this period could delay salary payments to millions of workers and disrupt trade financing. Recognising these challenges, the central bank has introduced the temporary operational window.
Revised Banking Hours
Under the special arrangement, bank offices will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both days. However, customer transactions will be accepted only until 1:00 p.m. A short break for the midday prayer will take place between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Eid Holiday Cheque Clearing Schedule
To support financial settlements within the limited time frame, revised cheque clearing timings have been introduced through the national clearing system.
| Activity | Last Time to Submit Cheques | Settlement Time |
|---|---|---|
| High-value cheque clearing | 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. |
| Regular cheque clearing | 12:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. |
Digital Payment Systems to Remain Active
Even during the Eid holiday period, key digital payment infrastructures will remain operational. The central bank confirmed that the Bangladesh Automated Clearing House (BACH) and the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system will continue functioning to facilitate interbank fund transfers and cheque settlements.
Customer transactions through RTGS will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., while interbank fund transfers and return transactions will operate until 1:00 p.m. Additionally, scheduled sessions of the Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN) will proceed as usual to support electronic fund transfers across banks.
Instructions to Banks
The central bank has circulated the directive to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks, as well as to Bangladesh Samabay Bank Limited. Institutions have been instructed to strengthen security measures, ensure uninterrupted technical support, and remain prepared to provide essential services to clients during the limited operational window.
Economic Significance
Financial analysts note that such temporary arrangements play an important role in maintaining economic stability during major holidays. By keeping essential banking channels open, the authorities aim to prevent payment bottlenecks, ensure timely wage disbursement for millions of garment workers, and allow exporters to maintain smooth trade operations.
The move underscores the importance of coordinated financial management during peak festive seasons, when both consumer spending and industrial activity typically surge across the country.