The Bangladesh Bank has set a new schedule for transactions at the banks against the backdrop of the government decision to relax the ongoing strict lockdown from July 15. As per a new circular issued by the central bank, now banks will carry out transactions from 10 am to 4 pm on July 15th, 18th and 19th instead of the existing 10 am to 2:30 pm. The circular says they can operate until 6 pm for conducting their other office activities instead of the previously set time of 4 pm. However, it says, banks will remain open on July 17 and 20 in Dhaka city, Ashulia, Tonga, Gazipur, Samar, Bhaluka, Narayanganj and Chattagram with transaction time from 10 am to 2 pm to facilitate the payment of salary to the garment and other industry workers and trading of garment export bills. Also read: Bank transaction timing extended up to 2:30 pm During the period, banks can remain open until 3:30 pm to conduct their own activities. The cheque clearing house of Bangladesh Bank will be operating during the period. But banks in these areas will not receive any cheque from other areas for the sake of smooth clearing. The banks will operate on a limited scale from July 25 to August 5 with new transaction hours from 10 am to 1:30 pm maintaining all health safety instructions with limited staff. The central bank circular says the other regular activities of banks will remain in operation during the strict restriction from July 25 to August 5 in compliance with the government’s instructions. Also read: Bank transactions from 10 am to 1:30 pm from July 4-7 During this period, the head offices of banks and the branches located at the land ports, sea ports and customs area will remain open in consultation with the local administrations. The banks operate 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, said the BB circular.