Banks and stock markets across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from Tuesday (20 October) on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja. The holiday period, combined with the regular weekend, will continue until Saturday (24 October). Normal banking operations are expected to resume on Sunday (25 October).
Although bank branches will remain closed for routine transactions, customers will still be able to access certain essential services, including cash withdrawals through automated teller machines (ATMs), card payments and available digital banking facilities. Selected banking services will also remain operational at ports to support the country’s import and export activities.
According to Bangladesh Bank’s instructions, banks will remain closed from 20 to 22 October for Durga Puja. Friday (23 October) and Saturday (24 October) are the regular weekly holidays, extending the closure to five days.
Customers who need to withdraw cash, deposit cheques, transfer funds or complete other banking transactions should make the necessary arrangements before the holiday begins. Services requiring direct assistance from bank officials may have to wait until regular operations resume.
Essential Banking Services During the Holiday
Despite the closure of regular branches, customers will be able to use several automated and digital services, subject to the facilities offered by their respective banks.
ATM cash withdrawals: Customers can withdraw cash from operational ATM booths to meet everyday expenses and other urgent financial needs. However, temporary shortages of cash at individual machines may cause inconvenience, particularly during the extended holiday.
Debit and credit card payments: Cardholders can continue to make payments at shops, shopping centres and other authorised establishments where card transactions are supported. The availability of these services will depend on the relevant banks and payment service providers.
Internet banking: Customers whose banks offer online banking facilities can use their accounts to check balances, review transaction histories and carry out eligible financial activities. However, not every transaction may be processed immediately during the holiday period.
Mobile applications and digital banking: Available mobile banking applications and digital platforms will allow customers to access account information, monitor transactions and initiate supported fund transfers. The range of services and applicable transaction limits may vary between banks.
Electronic fund transfers: Customers may be able to initiate transfers to other accounts through available digital banking channels. However, processing times will depend on the payment system, transaction type and the bank’s holiday arrangements. Some transfers may not be completed immediately.
Customers should check their banks’ official service notices if they need to confirm whether a particular transaction will be processed during the holidays.
Branch-Based Services May Be Unavailable
Routine counter services at bank branches will generally remain suspended during the five-day break. Customers may therefore have to wait until regular operations resume to deposit or withdraw money over the counter, submit cheques, open accounts or complete paperwork requiring assistance from bank officials.
Services such as collecting new cheque books, submitting account-related documents, completing verification procedures and seeking assistance with loans or other banking products may also be affected.
The availability of these services will depend on the nature of the transaction and any special arrangements made by individual banks. Customers with urgent requirements are advised to contact their banks’ customer service centres or check available digital channels before visiting a branch.
Stock Markets to Remain Closed
The country’s two major stock exchanges, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), will also suspend regular trading during the holiday period.
Trading is expected to resume on Sunday (25 October), following the end of the Durga Puja and weekly holidays. Investors should take the closure into account when planning share purchases, sales and other market-related activities.
Special Banking Arrangements at Ports
While regular banking operations will be suspended, selected branches and booths located at seaports, land ports and airports will provide limited services to support import and export activities.
The arrangements are intended to help prevent unnecessary disruption to international trade during the holiday period. Banks concerned have been instructed to coordinate with local administrations, port authorities and customs officials to ensure that necessary banking facilities remain available.
These services are particularly important for businesses involved in cross-border trade, where banking support may be required for import and export transactions, documentation and related financial procedures.
Overall, the five-day holiday will suspend routine branch-based banking and stock market trading, but selected ATM, card, digital banking and port-related services will remain available. The exact range of facilities will depend on individual banks and transaction requirements.
Customers are advised to withdraw sufficient cash in advance, complete time-sensitive banking tasks before the holiday and verify the availability of specific services through their banks’ official channels.
