Banks, bourses to remain closed on Sunday

Banks, financial institutions and stock exchanges will remain closed on Sunday (August 8) following the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday.

On Aug 9 and Aug 10, banks will be able to conduct transactions from 10 am to 3 pm. They will also be able to continue supplementary work until 4:30 pm.

The Bangladesh Bank issued two different circulars in this regard on Thursday.

Pandemic restrictions have resulted in several revisions to banking and trading hours.

This week, due to lockdown restrictions, banks were open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 10:00am to 2:30pm.

“In line with banks, the stock markets will be closed on August 8, but trading hours will be extended by half an hour to 2:30 pm next week,” said Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Executive Director and Spokesperson Mohammad Rezaul Karim.

Meanwhile, the government has extended lockdown restrictions by another five days to August 10.

The central bank said the banks and financial institutions would be open for customers on a limited scale during the ongoing strict restrictions on movement, which will end on 10 August.

As per that circular, the head offices and other necessary branches of banks can remain open with limited staff during the period.

However, internet banking services will continue for 24 hours.

All banks will have to ensure the operations of ATM kiosks to facilitate transactions through

cards and by supplying adequate cash in the machines, said the BB circular.