B Mirror Report: Bangladesh Bank (BB) has announced that all scheduled banks across the country will remain closed on March 18 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, following a government executive order declaring the day a public holiday.

However, the central bank has instructed some bank branches located in major industrial zones to remain open on a limited scale on March 18 and 19 to facilitate the payment of salaries, bonuses and allowances for garment workers.

According to a circular issued today by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDAD) of Bangladesh Bank, branches serving the garment sector in several key industrial hubs will remain operational despite the general holiday.

While most banks will remain closed on March 18, these selected branches will continue providing services on both March 18 and March 19 to ensure that garment workers receive their payments without disruption.

The designated industrial areas include Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj and Chattogram.

Banking transactions for clients at these branches will be conducted from 10:00am to 1:00pm, while the offices will remain open until 2:00pm.

To ensure smooth international trade operations, the central bank has also directed banks to keep their branches, sub-branches and booths located at seaports, land ports and airports open.

These facilities will remain operational from March 17 to March 23, covering the Eid holiday period.

The circular also stated that these port-related banking services must be carried out in close coordination with local administration and customs authorities to ensure uninterrupted import and export activities during public and weekly holidays, except on the day of Eid.

The directive, signed by SDAD Director Md Abdul Mannan, highlights the central bank’s initiative to support the garment industry and maintain stability in trade activities during the festive season.

It also noted that bank officials and employees required to work during these holidays will receive allowances as per existing rules and regulations.