In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, Bangladesh has introduced revised operating hours for its banking and capital market institutions. The new schedule, effective from today, has been issued through an official circular by Bangladesh Bank and applies to all scheduled banks and financial institutions across the country.
Under the updated timetable, customer transactions at all scheduled banks will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bank offices, however, will remain open until 4:00 p.m., allowing staff to complete internal processes, including reconciliations, interbank settlements, administrative duties, and regulatory reporting.
Adjusted Banking Hours
The move represents a modest reduction in overall operating time compared with regular hours. Ordinarily, banks operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with customer services continuing until 4:00 p.m. During Ramadan, while total office hours are shorter, authorities have emphasised the importance of ensuring uninterrupted essential services.
The central bank’s circular specifies a Zuhr prayer break from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. During this interval, banks have been instructed to coordinate internally to prevent disruption to customer transactions. Digital banking channels—including online banking platforms, ATM services, mobile financial services, and interbank electronic fund transfers—will continue to function without interruption.
The central bank itself will follow the same revised office schedule, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Critical operations such as cheque clearing, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and interbank settlements will proceed in accordance with the adjusted hours.
Revised Capital Market Schedule
The capital market has also adopted a modified timetable. Trading on both the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:50 p.m. During non-Ramadan months, trading typically continues until 2:30 p.m.
Market participants have been advised to adjust their trading strategies and settlement arrangements accordingly.
Comparative Schedule
| Activity | Ramadan Hours | Regular Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Office Hours | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Customer Transactions | 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Prayer Break | 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Not Applicable |
| Stock Market Trading | 10:00 a.m. – 1:50 p.m. | 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Officials believe the revised schedule strikes a balance between accommodating fasting employees and maintaining financial stability. By preserving core operational capacity and ensuring the seamless functioning of digital channels, regulators aim to prevent any adverse impact on liquidity or transaction flows.
Upon the conclusion of Ramadan, banks, financial institutions, and stock exchanges are expected to revert to their standard operating hours. Industry observers note that such seasonal adjustments have become a well-established practice, reflecting both religious observance and the need for economic continuity.