Limited Banking Services for Garment Sector

Commercial bank branches in key garment zones across Dhaka and other industrial hubs remained partially open today under special instructions issued by Bangladesh Bank, despite the commencement of the public holidays for Eid al-Fitr.

The directive, released on 10 March by the central bank’s Department of Off-site Supervision, allows limited banking operations on 18 and 19 March. The move is designed to facilitate the timely disbursement of wages and allowances to workers employed in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, as well as to enable the processing of export bills—both critical functions ahead of the major religious festival.

Under the arrangement, designated branches in prominent industrial regions—including Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram—have been permitted to operate on a restricted schedule. Authorities emphasised that adequate security measures must be ensured at all open branches during this period.

Banking transactions today are being conducted between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., while administrative operations will continue until 2:00 p.m. A designated break for Zuhr prayers has been scheduled from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Employees assigned to duty during the public holiday will be entitled to allowances in accordance with existing regulations.

The government had earlier declared an additional public holiday on Wednesday, 18 March, by executive order, extending the official break ahead of Eid. Ordinarily, banking services would remain fully suspended during such a nationwide closure. However, recognising the economic importance of the RMG sector—which constitutes a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s export earnings—the central bank opted for a targeted relaxation.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that timely wage payments are essential to ensure workers can celebrate Eid with financial security. Export-oriented businesses have also benefited, as uninterrupted processing of export bills helps maintain international trade flows and strengthens buyer confidence.

Below is a summary of the special banking arrangement:

The initiative reflects a pragmatic balance between observing national holidays and sustaining vital economic activity, particularly in sectors that directly impact millions of workers and the country’s export performance.