Banks Open on Saturday to Ensure Fuel Supply

In an unusual move, several banks across Bangladesh remained open on Saturday, 14 February 2026, to facilitate uninterrupted supply of petroleum products. The decision aims to ensure dealers can purchase fuel and meet customer demand without disruption.

Bangladesh Bank authorised select branches to operate on this public holiday in response to the requirements of both fuel dealers and the general public. The directive came following a formal request from Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, convenor of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners Association.

The Bangladesh Bank’s Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDMAD) issued an official notification permitting limited banking operations specifically to support the continuous distribution of fuel nationwide. This measure ensures that petrol stations and fuel distributors can access banking services even during weekends and public holidays, preventing potential shortages.

The banks and branches operating on 14 February include:

The temporary opening also coincided with an extended bank holiday due to national events. All scheduled banks were closed on 11 and 12 February 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday) in observance of the 13th National Parliament elections and public voting. With the regular weekend holidays on 13 and 14 February, banks would have otherwise remained closed for four consecutive days, creating potential disruption in essential services such as fuel distribution.

By keeping select branches operational, Bangladesh Bank has ensured that fuel dealers can continue their transactions without interruption, maintaining a smooth flow of petroleum products to consumers. Customers and businesses have been advised to plan transactions accordingly and use the branches open for critical services.

This proactive approach highlights the central bank’s commitment to maintaining economic stability and essential service continuity, even during national holidays.