Banks, stock markets to shut for 5-day from Tuesday

Banks and financial institutions across the country, alongwith the two stock exchanges, will remain closed for five consecutive days from Tuesday (October 20) for Durga Puja and the weekend holidays.

According to a Bangladesh Bank circular, October 20-22 will be observed as public holidays for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja. The closures will be followed by the regular weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24.

Ahead of the extended break, banks were instructed to remain open on Saturday, October 17, despite it being a weekly holiday. Banking operations continued as usual on the day.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) will also suspend trading during the five-day holiday period, as stock market transactions are closely linked to banking operations.

However, limited banking services will remain available in port and customs areas to facilitate import and export activities during the holidays. Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to ensure that necessary services continue through branches and booths located in seaports, land ports and airports.

The relevant banks have been asked to coordinate with local administrations, port authorities and customs officials to make the necessary arrangements.