Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled commercial banks to keep branches and sub-branches located near sacrificial animal markets open until 10:00pm ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to facilitate secure and uninterrupted financial transactions during the peak Qurbani trading season.

To this end, the central bank today issued a circular.

The move aims to address the surge in cash-intensive transactions at cattle markets across major urban centers while reducing risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.

Under the directive, designated bank branches and sub-branches situated near approved Qurbani Haats will operate extended hours from 10:00am to 10:00pm starting May 24 and continuing until the day before Eid-ul-Azha.

Banks will maintain regular daytime operations alongside special evening banking services to ensure uninterrupted liquidity support for livestock traders and buyers.

The order applies to cattle markets located within the jurisdictions of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Khulna City Corporation (KCC), Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), and Rangpur City Corporation (RCC).

To strengthen service delivery, banks have been instructed to establish temporary booths within or adjacent to the cattle markets.

These booths will provide essential banking services including cash deposits, withdrawals, and account opening facilities for traders and customers.

Commercial banks have been instructed to coordinate adequate security arrangements for booth management and currency movement.