Banks, insurance companies, and stock markets across the country have entered a seven-day holiday to observe Eid-ul-Fitr and will open on March 24.

The government’s decision to declare March 18 a public holiday to extend the Eid break has resulted in a continuous closure of financial institutions from Tuesday, March 17, to Monday, March 23.

During this extended break, Bangladesh Bank has issued directives to ensure heightened security at bank premises and to maintain sufficient cash flow in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, emphasized the importance of safety measures.

"We have taken steps to ensure that security is ironclad. Instructions have been given to prevent any untoward incidents or unauthorized access by miscreants into bank premises during the vacation," he said.

Trading suspended at DSE, CSE

The country’s premier bourse, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) have also suspended trading for seven days.

According to sources at the DSE and CSE, trading will resume on March 24 (Tuesday) under regular schedules. Office hours will be from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with trading sessions running from 10:00 am to 2:20 pm.

A 10-minute post-closing session will follow the regular trading hours from 2:20 pm to 2:30 pm, during which investors can buy or sell shares at the closing price, though no new price bids will be permitted.