To facilitate timely payment of salaries and allowances to workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector ahead of the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, a limited number of bank branches across key industrial zones will operate on Thursday, 19 March. The initiative follows directives issued by Bangladesh Bank, allowing selected branches to open with a reduced workforce.
According to the central bank’s notification, designated branches in major garment-producing areas, including Dhaka Metropolitan, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram, will remain operational. Banking hours have been set from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with customer transactions allowed from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, allowing a short break for the Dhuhr prayer.
The limited banking schedule aims primarily to ensure that RMG workers receive their wages on time while maintaining essential financial services in industrial zones. Customers have been urged to avoid visiting branches unless necessary and to complete all transactions within the allotted hours, ensuring smooth operations and safety for bank staff.
The following table details the major banks and their branches open today:
| Bank Name | Open Branches | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Bank | Agrabad, Narayanganj, Ganakbari, Tongi | Chattogram, Narayanganj, Savar, Gazipur |
| Islami Bank Bangladesh | Agrabad Corporate, Dhaka Head Office Complex, Local Office, Narayanganj | Chattogram, Dhaka, Narayanganj |
| City Bank | Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Gobindaganj, Sirajganj, Saidpur, Rajshahi, Kurigram, Thakurgaon, Pabna, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Bogura, Rangpur | Northern Bangladesh and Rajshahi regions |
| BRAC Bank | Motijheel, Tongi, Ganakbari, Joydebpur, CDA Avenue, Rokeya Sarani, Rangpur, Dhanmondi-27, Boro Bazar, Gulshan North Avenue, Jashore, Siddhirganj | Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Jashore, Rangpur |
| Shahjalal Islami Bank | Foreign Exchange Branch | Various locations in Dhaka |
| Premier Bank | Kawran Bazar, Motijheel, Banani, Gulshan, Uttara | Dhaka |
| Mutual Trust Bank | Chandra, Gulshan, Jubilee Road, Narayanganj BSCIC, Principal Branch, Uttara Model Town, Kushtia, Khulna, Jashore, Lohagara | Dhaka and other major cities |
| NCC Bank | O.R. Nizam Road, Motijheel, Baridhara, Savar, Joydebpur, Baipayl | Chattogram & Dhaka |
Bank officials have emphasised that this restricted service is crucial for ensuring workers’ financial access, particularly regarding Eid-related wage and allowance distribution. The arrangement also supports the continuity of essential economic activities within industrial areas.
By adhering to the advised schedule, both customers and bank staff can benefit from safer, more efficient operations while prioritising the timely disbursement of funds to the garment sector workforce. This initiative underscores the central bank’s commitment to maintaining financial stability in the country’s industrial hubs during significant national and religious observances.