Banking transactions to continue till 2:30pm

Countrywide strict restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) infections are underway.

In order to help implement the government’s efforts to contain Covid-19 infections, Bangladesh Bank issued directives to keep the activities of banks operational on a limited scale. As per the instructions, bank transactions will continue till 2:30pm today, Monday (August 02).

According to a circular of the central bank issued on July 28, all banks will operate on a limited scale on August 2, 3 and 5 maintaining all Covid-safety protocols and with limited staff.

Bank transactions will start at 10am and continue till 2:30pm, the circular said.

However, banks can remain open till 4:00pm to conduct their own activities, post-customer hours on the days.

Their other regular activities can also continue in compliance with government guidelines.

The other directives of Bangladesh Bank issued on July 13 this year will remain unchanged, said the circular.

As per that circular, during this period, the head offices and authorized dealers-designated branches of banks will remain open while state-owned banks will keep open one branch at the district level and one at the upazila level.

Private banks, on the other hand, will keep open one branch at the district level and a maximum of two branches outside districts with limited manpower, according to the central bank.

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, as per the BB circular.