DHAKA: In a strategic move to ensure financial liquidity ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festivities, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has officially re-fixed the duration and operational hours for interbank transactions for June 27 and June 28, 2023.
Despite the government-declared public holidays for Eid-ul-Azha spanning these dates, regulatory instructions dictate that specific branches of scheduled banks situated within readymade garments (RMG) industrial zones will remain operational. This measure is designed to guarantee the unhindered disbursement of salaries, festive bonuses, and allowances for garment factory workers, alongside supporting vital import-export operational settlements.
Special Banking Operations In Industrial Hubs
To execute these essential financial services smoothly, commercial banks operating in key industrial and manufacturing belts—including Dhaka, Gazipur, Ashulia, Narayanganj, Chattogram, and surrounding export hubs—will maintain active branch services during the holiday period.
Central bank authorities emphasized that keeping these critical branches open prevents liquidity bottlenecks, ensuring that industrial workers receive their remuneration well ahead of the holiday while maintaining the continuity of external trade settlements.
Adjusted Clearing Schedules Via BACH
To support interbank transactions for these operational branches, Bangladesh Bank has structured specific cut-off times for clearing houses managed through the Bangladesh Automated Clearing House (BACH):
- High-Value Clearing:
- Presentment Cut-Off Time: 11:00 AM
- Return Cut-Off Time: 1:00 PM
- Regular-Value Clearing:
- Presentment Cut-Off Time: 11:30 AM
- Return Cut-Off Time: 1:30 PM
- BEFTN Operations:
- The existing operational timings for the Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN) will remain entirely unchanged, following standard processing rules.
Summary Table: Interbank Transaction Cut-Off Times (June 27–28, 2023)
| Clearing Mechanism | Presentment Cut-Off Time | Return Cut-Off Time | Operational Status / Focus |
| High-Value Clearing (BACH) | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | Expedited processing for priority high-value interbank settlements. |
| Regular-Value Clearing (BACH) | 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM | Standard institutional and commercial clearing window. |
| BEFTN Transactions | Unchanged | Unchanged | Maintained standard automated processing schedules. |
| Designated Branch Network | Active Hours | Active Hours | RMG industrial areas open for worker salary and export-import handling. |
This timely circular reflects the central bank’s ongoing commitment to balancing national holiday observances with the vital economic requirements of Bangladesh’s premier export-oriented sector.
