Change in bank transactions timing in stricter lockdown

Country’s state-owned and private commercial banks will keep their branches open according to the demand of clients from Sunday (July 25). Amid the strict restrictions of lockdown, transactions at the bank branches will start at 10:00am and continue till 1:30pm.

Bangladesh Bank issued a circular on July 13 last over keeping banks open. The circular stated that except the weekly holidays, banks will carry out transactions in limited form during the restrictions. Banks will be able to keep their branches open with limited number of staff in accordance with strict health restrictions including wearing masks. About keeping the branches open, the circular said the authorities concerned will be able to keep their branches open as per their own consideration. During this time, transactions at banks will start at 10:00am and continue till 1:30pm.

During the restrictions, clients will be able to deposit and draw money in cash/cheque, make/deposit demand draft/pay order. Apart from these services, clients will receive foreign remittance payments, allowances/grants of government’s different social programmes.

Bangladesh Bank also directed the banks to keep their transactions through cards and internet services open round-the-clock.

The central bank circular also stated that there must be adequate supply of notes in the ATM booths of the banks round-the-clock.

State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on early Thursday (July 22) that the 14-day countrywide restrictions that begins on Friday (July 23) would be stricter than all previous restrictions.

He said the restriction will be stricter from the preceding restriction. Police, BGB and Army personnel will be on the ground to implement it. During the period of restriction, all offices, courts, garments, factories and export-oriented industries will remain closed.