Banks in industrial areas to remain open until May 13

Md Joynal Abedin Khan

Branches of all scheduled banks will remain open in the industrial areas particularly in the region of garment industries, aiming at expediting the withdrawal of salary, bonus and allowance of industrial workers until May 13.

However, the decision to run the banking activities on May 14 (Friday) will depend on the sighting of the moon of Shawwal.

Bangladesh Bank asked the commercial banks to keep the respective branches, divisions and head offices open to ensure hassle-free services to the garment employees in Dhaka city, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj and Chattogram during the banking hour from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm during the month of Ramadan.

BB on Wednesday issued a circular signed by Md. Anowarul Islam, General Manager (GM) of the central bank in this regard.

The central bank also instructed the banks to run the limited banking activities as per the special schedule to expedite the export-oriented business until May 13 or May 14.

The BB issued a notice, asking the bank employees not to leave residential areas adjacent to their bank branches during the Eid holiday.

Soon after Cabinet Division issued the circular, extending the lockdown from May 6 to May 16, BB took a decision, limiting the banking hours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm during the lockdown, the circular added.