Banks and stock markets across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from October 20 to 24 on account of Durga Puja and the regular weekend holidays.
Banking operations will be suspended from October 20 to 22 for the Durga Puja holiday, followed by the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24.
Bangladesh Bank issued a notification on Sunday announcing the arrangements. However, banks have been instructed to remain open on Saturday, October 17, despite it being a weekly holiday. Banking services will operate as usual on that day.
The country's two stock exchanges — the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) — will also suspend trading during the five-day period.
However, limited banking services will remain available at branches and booths in seaport, land port and airport areas to facilitate import and export activities during the Durga Puja holiday.
Bangladesh Bank has instructed the relevant banks to coordinate with local administrations, port authorities and customs officials to make the necessary arrangements.
Earlier, on October 7, the Ministry of Public Administration announced public holidays from October 20 to 22 for Durga Puja. It also decided to keep government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices open on Saturday, October 17.