All scheduled banks operating in Bangladesh will remain closed on Wednesday (December 31), following the government’s declaration of a public holiday in honor of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia.

The Department of Off-site Supervision (DOS) of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular to the Managing Directors and Chief Executives of all banks on Tuesday to confirm the closure.

The decision follows a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, which declared a one-day public holiday by executive order due to the passing of the former Prime Minister.

According to the circular, banks will observe ‘Bank Holiday’ on Wednesday (December 31). Despite the general closure, banks may keep specific branches or departments open at their own discretion if it is necessary for the completion of annual or half-yearly financial accounting for the year 2025.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Bank has postponed its scheduled press conference regarding the activities of the Shammilito Islamic Bank following the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The central bank announced the decision through a short message service (SMS) sent to the media on Tuesday afternoon. But the Bangladesh Bank released a logo of Sammilito Islami Bank on Tuesday and sent it to the journalists.

According to the message, the press conference, which was originally scheduled for 5:00 PM today at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, has been canceled in light of the national mourning declared following the demise of Begum Zia. The central bank also noted that a formal press release regarding this matter will be issued later.