All scheduled commercial banks across Bangladesh will remain closed on 11 and 12 February, Wednesday and Thursday respectively, in observance of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and concurrent referendums. This announcement was confirmed on Sunday by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDAD) of Bangladesh Bank.
According to the notification, the Ministry of Public Administration, on 25 January, issued a government decree declaring public holidays on the aforementioned dates to facilitate smooth conduct of the elections and voting. Following this directive, the central bank has formally instructed all commercial banks to suspend operations on these two days.
The closure has been authorised under Section 45 of the Bank Companies Act, 1991, which empowers the central bank to regulate banking operations in such circumstances. The instructions have been officially communicated to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks operating in the country.
Authorities have advised that normal banking services, including cash withdrawals, cheque clearing, interbank transfers, and other in-person transactions, will be unavailable during the closure. However, digital banking services such as online transfers, mobile banking, and ATM operations are expected to function, albeit with possible limitations due to high transaction volumes or technical adjustments related to election-day procedures.
To minimise disruption, banks are preparing to ensure sufficient cash reserves are available at ATMs and branches before the closure, particularly in areas hosting voting centres. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to plan their financial activities accordingly and complete essential transactions in advance.
The table below summarises the bank closure schedule:
| Date | Day | Banking Status | Reason for Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 February | Wednesday | All scheduled banks closed | 13th National Parliamentary Election |
| 12 February | Thursday | All scheduled banks closed | Concurrent referendum voting |
The two-day suspension underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining an orderly election process while ensuring the banking system complies with legal directives. Banks and regulatory authorities are coordinating to minimise any inconvenience to the public, with particular attention to ensuring that voting day transactions and essential financial operations can proceed smoothly before and after the closures.
In summary, while in-person banking will be paused, digital platforms remain the most reliable option for urgent financial needs. Both citizens and businesses are strongly advised to adjust their schedules and banking activities in advance to avoid any disruptions during the election period.