In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Bank has instructed that select bank branches located near the ready-made garment (RMG) industrial areas remain open on a limited basis, even during the government-declared holidays. The primary aim of this directive is to ensure timely payment of workers’ salaries, allowances, and bonuses, as well as to facilitate the settlement of export-related bills.
The Department of Off-Site Supervision of Bangladesh Bank issued the instructions on Tuesday, 10 March. According to the notice, some commercial bank branches adjacent to RMG hubs will operate on 18 March (Wednesday) and 19 March (Thursday), coinciding with the official pre-Eid holidays.
The selected branches are located across key industrial regions, including Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. The directive emphasises that banks must take all necessary security measures to safeguard staff, cash, and customer transactions during these limited operations.
Banking activities for customers and office staff will follow a revised schedule to accommodate holiday operations and the midday prayer:
| District / Area | Branch Type | Customer Transaction Hours | Office Hours | Prayer Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka Metropolitan Area | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Ashulia | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Tongi | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Gazipur | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Savar | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Valuka | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Narayanganj | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
| Chattogram | RMG-adjacent | 10:00–13:00 | 10:00–14:00 | 13:15–13:30 |
Bangladesh Bank has further instructed that officers and staff on duty during the holidays are to receive their regular allowances along with additional holiday-based benefits.
The central bank hopes this arrangement will ease financial transactions in the lead-up to Eid, ensuring smooth operations for both garment workers and business owners. By keeping selected branches operational, it aims to maintain continuity in payroll processing and export-related banking services, thereby supporting the country’s crucial RMG sector during a peak festive period.