All financial institutions across Bangladesh will remain closed on 11 and 12 February due to the 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referendum, the Department of Financial Institutions and Markets (DFIM) of Bangladesh Bank announced on Tuesday (3 February).
According to the official notification, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a government gazette on 25 January, declaring the election days as public holidays. Acting on this directive, all banks, insurance companies, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), and other financial entities will suspend operations on 11 and 12 February in compliance with executive orders.
Bangladesh Bank has cited its authority under Section 41(2)(g) of the Financial Institutions Act, 2023, to issue the directive. Notices regarding the closure have been sent to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all financial institutions across the country.
Furthermore, as the days following the election—13 and 14 February—fall on the regular weekend (Friday and Saturday), financial institutions will remain closed for a total of four consecutive days. This extended closure is expected to temporarily limit cash transactions, share market operations, loan disbursements, and insurance-related services.
The following table summarises the status of financial institutions over the four-day period:
| Date | Day | Financial Institution Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 February | Wednesday | Closed | 13th National Parliamentary Election & Referendum Day 1 |
| 12 February | Thursday | Closed | Election & Referendum Day 2 |
| 13 February | Friday | Closed | Weekly holiday |
| 14 February | Saturday | Closed | Weekly holiday |
Experts have advised businesses, investors, and individual customers to plan their cash management and financial transactions in advance to minimise disruption. While branch-based services will remain suspended during this period, online and mobile banking platforms will continue to operate, allowing customers to perform essential digital transactions.
Government officials have described the extended closure as a necessary measure to ensure the transparency, integrity, and smooth administration of the election process. The move is also intended to reduce operational pressure on financial institutions during a period of heightened national activity.
Analysts suggest that such planned closures, though temporarily inconvenient, help maintain orderly financial operations while safeguarding the electoral process, which is crucial for public confidence in democratic governance.