The Bangladesh Bank has extended the transaction timing in banks for customers by one hour to 2:30 pm.

As per a new circular issued by the central bank, now banks will carry out transactions from 10 am to 2:30 pm with effect from Thursday (July 8) instead of the existing 10 am to 1:30 pm.

The circular says they can operate until 4 pm for conducting their other office activities instead of the previously set time of 3:30 pm. 

However, it says, banks will remain closed on Sunday (July 11) beside its weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday.  

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The new circular was issued against the backdrop of the government’s extension of the currently imposed ‘strict’ countrywide restriction until July 14.

The government had initially imposed the ‘strict’ lockdown for a week from July 1-7 and then extended it up to July 14 to contain the deadly Coronavirus that is spreading fast. 

The central bank circular says the other instructions in this regard will remain unchanged.

During this period, the head offices of banks will remain open while state-owned banks will keep open one branch at district level and one branch at upazila level while private banks will keep open one branch at district level and maximum two branches outside the district level with limited manpower.

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The bank authorities will take measures to provide transport support to their staff in consultation with the local administration.

The banks will keep open their principal and authorized dealer (AD) branches with required staff while internet banking service will continue for 24 hours.

They have to ensure the operation of ATM booths to facilitate transactions through cards by supplying adequate cash in the machines while the evening banking and weekly holiday banking activities will remain suspended until further order, said the circular issued on April 13.