Central Bank Extends Cattle Market Banking Hours

The central bank of Bangladesh has officially mandated that scheduled commercial banks must keep designated branches, sub-branches, and temporary booths situated near sacrificial animal markets open until 10:00 pm. This operational extension is intended to facilitate secure, convenient, and uninterrupted financial transactions during the peak trading season preceding the holy festival of Eid al-Adha.

According to an official directive issued by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday, 24 May 2026, the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled commercial banks have been instructed to execute these temporary operational changes immediately. The central bank specified that the designated banking facilities, including specialised booths set up directly within or adjacent to the cattle markets (haats), must consistently operate from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm daily, concluding on the night before the day of Eid al-Adha.

Managing High-Volume Financial Corridors

The directive stems from the massive influx of buyers, livestock farmers, and traders across major urban hubs in Bangladesh, which invariably generates high-density cash trading. Given the substantial volume of physical currency circulating within these seasonal marketplaces, providing robust banking support is deemed critical to ensuring transaction security.

Bangladesh Bank highlighted that the provision of nearby branches, sub-branches, and temporary on-site booths will allow both buyers and sellers to safely execute deposits, withdrawals, and other essential banking transactions without the heightened hazard of carrying large amounts of physical cash over long distances.

Geographic Scope and Specified Zones

The specialized night-time operations will apply strictly to approved cattle markets functioning under the direct administration, supervision, and management of major civic entities across the country. The order explicitly covers the following municipal jurisdictions:

• Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)

• Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)

• Chattogram City Corporation (CCC)

• Khulna City Corporation (KCC)

• Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC)

• Rangpur City Corporation (RCC)

Security Standards and Operational Compliance

To maintain structural integrity during these extended evening hours, Bangladesh Bank has underscored the absolute necessity of rigorous security protocols regarding cash handling, booth management, and currency transportation. Commercial banking institutions have been instructed to closely coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and market authorities to safeguard financial assets and personnel.

Furthermore, recognizing the heightened workload and physical strain imposed upon bank officers and staff members during these late-evening shifts, the central bank has directed financial institutions to ensure appropriate logistical support and special allowances for the personnel assigned to these temporary market duties.

Through this targeted intervention, the regulatory authority aims to provide a reliable liquidity buffer, mitigating risks associated with cash-intensive retail livestock trading whilst maintaining systemic order within the national financial ecosystem during the peak festive period.