DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) today announced that all scheduled banks across the country will remain closed on March 18 to mark the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, following a government executive order declaring the day a public holiday.

Despite the general closure, the central bank has directed specific branches in key industrial hubs to remain operational 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 BB’s Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDAD), bank branches serving the garment industry in several major hubs will be exempt from the general holiday. 

While the rest of the banking sector remains closed on March 18, these specific branches will continue operations on both March 18 and 19 to ensure garment workers receive their dues.

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

The clients will be able to do banking transactions between 10 am and 1pm, but the office will remain open until 2pm.

To ensure the smooth flow of international trade, the BB has also instructed banks to keep their branches, sub-branches, or booths located at seaports, land ports, and airports operational. 

These facilities are directed to provide services from March 17 to March 23, covering the holiday period surrounding Eid.

The circular emphasized that these port-related operations must be conducted in strict coordination with local administration and customs authorities to facilitate uninterrupted import and export activities during public and weekly holidays, with the exception of the day of Eid itself.

The directive, signed by SDAD Director Md Abdul Mannan, formalizes the central bank's commitment to supporting the garment sector and maintaining trade stability during the festive period.

The circular further clarified that all bank officials and employees required to perform duties during these scheduled holidays will be entitled to receive allowances in accordance with existing rules and regulations.