Saturday Banking Extended for Mango Market Transactions

Bangladesh Bank has directed scheduled banks to keep selected branches and sub-branches open on Saturdays in major mango-producing districts of the greater Rajshahi region, seeking to ensure smooth financial transactions during the peak of the country’s mango harvesting and trading season.

The decision comes at a time when wholesale fruit markets across north-western Bangladesh are witnessing intense commercial activity, with millions of taka changing hands daily as growers, traders, commission agents and transport operators participate in one of the nation’s most important seasonal agricultural businesses.

The instruction was issued through a circular on Thursday by Bangladesh Bank’s Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDMAD) and has been communicated to the chief executive officers of all scheduled banks.

According to the central bank, permanent and temporary mango markets in Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Rajshahi and Natore are currently experiencing a significant surge in financial transactions due to the ongoing harvest season. To support these activities, banks have been asked to ensure adequate cash availability and facilitate the safe deposit of funds generated from mango sales.

The central bank noted that the measure is also intended to reduce the risks associated with carrying and storing large amounts of cash. During the mango season, traders often conduct substantial transactions within a short period, increasing the need for convenient access to banking services.

Under the directive, branches and sub-branches of scheduled banks located near mango markets in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj Sadar, Gomastapur and Bholahat upazilas of Chapainawabganj district will be permitted to operate on Saturdays. Similar arrangements will apply to banking outlets serving key mango trading centres in Sapahar, Porsha and Niamatpur upazilas of Naogaon district, along with selected branches situated near mango markets in Rajshahi and Natore.

The special banking arrangement will remain in force until 31 July, covering the busiest period of the mango trading season.

North-western Bangladesh is widely recognised as the country’s principal mango-growing region. Chapainawabganj, in particular, is often referred to as the nation’s mango hub due to its extensive orchards and high production levels. Every year, the region supplies large quantities of popular mango varieties to markets across Bangladesh, generating substantial seasonal income for farmers and businesses.

The mango economy supports a broad network of stakeholders, including orchard owners, seasonal labourers, traders, transport operators, packaging businesses and wholesalers. As fruit moves rapidly from orchards to local markets and then to distribution centres nationwide, the volume of cash transactions rises sharply, creating additional demand for banking facilities.

Industry participants have long argued that extended banking hours during the harvest season help improve efficiency, reduce security concerns and ensure that business operations continue without disruption. Easy access to banking services enables traders to deposit earnings promptly, transfer payments and manage liquidity more effectively during periods of intense commercial activity.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed concerned financial institutions to ensure appropriate security arrangements while operating the designated branches on weekly holidays. Banks have been given discretion to manage operations based on local business requirements and transaction volumes.

The directive has been issued in the public interest under the powers granted to the central bank by Section 45 of the Bank Companies Act, 1991.

The move is expected to provide vital support to the mango trade, strengthen financial services in key agricultural markets and help maintain a steady flow of economic activity during one of Bangladesh’s most commercially significant fruit seasons.