Banks to receive 5-day holiday for Durga Puja

To facilitate customer transactions ahead of the festival, Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all banks will remain open on Saturday (October 17).

The Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular in this regard on Sunday (October 11), aligning with a government notification released by the Ministry of Public Administration on October 7.

According to the circular, limited banking operations will be maintained at branches and booths located in seaport, land port, and airport areas during the public holiday (October 20–22) and the following weekend (October 23–24) to ensure uninterrupted import and export activities.

Commercial banks have been instructed to coordinate with local administrations and customs authorities to make necessary arrangements.

While over-the-counter transactions at bank branches will remain suspended during the holiday, alternative digital banking services—including automated teller machines (ATMs), internet banking, and mobile financial services—will remain fully operational.

Additionally, the government announced plans to operate three pairs of special trains on various domestic routes to ensure smooth travel for the public during the extended festive period.