Banks to continue operating in limited capacity

Banks are slated to continue operating in limited capacity during the government-announced countrywide shutdown from Thursday.

According to a senior Bangladesh Bank (BB) official, banks will remain open to keep export-oriented functions active during the strict lockdown.

Prior to that, banks will operate under normal circumstances as it has been, until Wednesday, June 30.

However, BB will take a formal decision regarding the matter as per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

In this context, another top official of BB said that the central bank will take action only following instructions issued by the Cabinet Division, and not before that.

Also Read - Banking directives to remain unchanged till June 16

It has been reported that all government and private offices will remain closed during the lockdown except for emergency services.

Moreover, all types of vehicles except emergency goods carriers will be restricted to move, and only ambulances and medical personnel will be able to travel.

However, movement restrictions and lockdowns imposed earlier last year by the government had raised confusion surrounding access to financial services.

Although the cabinet had decided to keep banks closed initially with BB directing closure of financial institutions, the decision was redacted shortly after.