BB asks banks to stop evening banking to save power

The Bangladesh Bank has asked banks to stop evening banking as part of the government’s measures to save power amidst the ongoing fuel crisis.

It sent letters to the managing directors of the scheduled banks in this regard on Wednesday. The Business Post has obtained a copy of the letter.

Evening banking would have to be closed until further instructions, the letter said.

Executive Director and Spokesperson for the Bangladesh Bank Md Serajul Islam told The Business Post all banks had been asked to stop evening banking as part of the government’s move to save power.

He said most banks now provide evening banking services in business hubs and industrial areas.

Banks would be able to offer banking services in ports and industrial areas on Saturday, as per the central bank spokesperson.

Earlier on August 22, the Bangladesh Bank set daily banking hours from 9am to 3pm, which took effect on Wednesday, and bankers’ office hours from 9am to 5pm.

Before that, banking hours would start at 10am and end at 4pm.