Bangladesh Bank extends banking hours

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has re-fixed the banking hours from 10:00am to 2.30pm from Thursday, amid the lockdown to halt the sharp rise of Covid-19 in the country.

“Banks will remain open from 10:00am to 4:00pm while the transaction will be made between 10:00am and 2.30pm,” said a Bangladesh Bank (BB) circular issued on Tuesday.

The new time will continue until July 14, the circular added.

Similar to last week, there will be no banking operations on Sunday (July 11.)

Last week, the central bank had limited banking hours till 1:30pm during the seven-day strict lockdown till July 7.

Also Read - Bank transaction hours 10am to 1:30pm during lockdown

As the strict lockdown has been extended until July 14, the new timing will be in effect from July 8, Thursday.

During this period, the head offices of banks will remain open while state-owned banks will keep open one branch at the district level and one branch at the upazila level. Private banks will keep open one branch at the district level and maximum two branches outside the district level with limited manpower.

The bank authorities will take measures to provide transportation support to their staff in consultation with the local administration.  

The banks will keep open their principal and authorized dealer (AD) branches with required staff while internet banking service will continue for 24 hours a day.

They have to ensure operation of ATM booths to facilitate transactions through cards by supplying adequate cash in the machines while the evening banking and weekly holiday banking activities will remain suspended until further order, said a notice issued earlier on April 13.