Banks limited operation time extended to April 28

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Tuesday extended limited scale banking operation hours to April 28 after the government issued a notification by extending the lockdown.

According to the BB, banks will remain open from 10 am to 1pm except weekly holidays and government holidays to ensure banking service for the people.

Earlier, on April 13, the BB issued a notification to operate banks on limited scale from April14 to April21.

The BB notification signed by General Manager of Department of Off-Site Supervision Md. Anuwarul Islam, said banks will operate banking service from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm for clients while banks operate till 2.30 pm to complete post-transaction ancillary activities.

During the lockdown the head office, Authorized Dealers (ADs), local principal office, banks’ main branch in every district head quarter, banks’ single branch in every two kilometers in city corporation areas (if there is no AD) has to be kept open.

Besides, a branch of each bank at upazila level will remain open on Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday giving one day interval. Banks will have to arrange transportation of its staff during the lockdown period.

Banks that have online facilities for cash deposits and withdrawals will ensure the overall convenience of customer transactions. At the same time, banks operating within the two kilometers of the City Corporation and District Headquarters can conduct banking activities through internal coordination from a convenient branch (excluding the authorized dealer branch) to ensure customer service.

The bank branch / sub-branch / booth of the bank located in the sea / land / airport and customs house area has to be kept open to ensure compliance of health rules in consultation with the local administration and port / customs authorities.

The BB instruction also asked banks to keep adequate banknotes at ATM booths with ensuring health protection and sanitization measures. In addition BB asked to ensure uninterrupted internet banking service.