Ramadan Banking Hours Revised Nationwide

In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, banking and capital market operations across Bangladesh have commenced under a revised schedule effective from today. The changes, announced by Bangladesh Bank, are intended to accommodate the spiritual practices of the month while ensuring uninterrupted financial services.

Under the new arrangement, commercial banks will remain open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, customer transactions will be conducted between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The period from 2:30 p.m. until closing will be reserved for internal reconciliation, documentation, and other administrative tasks.

Ordinarily, banks operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with customer transactions continuing until 4:00 p.m. The Ramadan timetable therefore shortens both public transaction hours and overall office hours in recognition of reduced working capacity during fasting.

Revised Banking Hours

In its circular, Bangladesh Bank further specified a 15-minute recess for Zuhr prayers from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. During this interval, banks are instructed to manage internal coordination in such a way that essential transaction processing continues without disrupting customer service. The central bank has emphasised that service efficiency must not be compromised despite the shorter hours.

The central bank’s own offices will also follow the 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. schedule. Interbank settlements, cheque clearing, and other regulatory and supervisory functions will be conducted in accordance with the revised timetable.

Alongside the banking sector, the country’s capital market has likewise adopted a modified trading schedule. On the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange, trading will commence at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:50 p.m. during Ramadan. Under normal circumstances, trading continues until 2:30 p.m.

Capital Market Trading Hours

Market analysts note that while trading hours are slightly reduced, liquidity and transaction volumes historically remain resilient during Ramadan, particularly in the weeks preceding Eid-ul-Fitr when economic activity often accelerates.

Bangladesh Bank has confirmed that once the month of Ramadan concludes, banks, financial institutions, and the capital market will revert to their standard operating hours. The temporary adjustments reflect a longstanding practice aimed at harmonising economic activity with religious observance, while maintaining stability and continuity in the country’s financial system.