Banks and stock markets across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from Tuesday (20 October) for Sharadiya Durga Puja. The holiday period will continue until Saturday (24 October), combining the festival holidays with the regular weekend break. Normal banking operations and stock market trading are expected to resume on Sunday (25 October).
Although regular bank branches will remain closed, customers will still have access to selected essential services, including cash withdrawals from ATMs, card payments and available digital banking facilities. Limited banking services will also continue at selected branches and booths in port areas to support the country’s import and export activities.
According to Bangladesh Bank’s instructions, banks will remain closed from 20 to 22 October for Durga Puja. Friday (23 October) and Saturday (24 October) are the regular weekly holidays, extending the closure to five consecutive days. During this period, customers will not be able to carry out routine transactions at bank counters.
Essential Banking Services Available During the Holidays
Despite the closure of regular branches, customers will be able to use several alternative banking facilities to meet their financial needs. These include ATM cash withdrawals, card-based payments and selected services through operational digital banking platforms.
ATM cash withdrawals: Customers can withdraw cash from operational ATM booths throughout the holiday period. However, some machines may temporarily run out of cash, potentially causing inconvenience. Customers are therefore advised to withdraw sufficient money in advance to cover essential expenses.
Debit and credit card payments: Cardholders can continue to pay for purchases at shops, shopping centres and other authorised establishments, provided the relevant banks and payment systems remain operational.
Internet and mobile banking: Customers can use available online banking platforms and mobile applications to check account information, review transaction histories and carry out supported digital transactions. The range of services available may vary depending on the bank and the type of transaction.
Fund transfers: Customers may initiate transfers through operational digital banking channels, subject to the applicable rules and service availability. However, not all transactions are guaranteed to be completed immediately. Some transfers or payment processes may take additional time during the holidays.
Customers are advised to check their banks’ official notices or contact customer service centres if they need to confirm the availability of a particular facility.
Branch-Based Services to Remain Suspended
Routine counter services will generally be unavailable during the five-day break. Customers may have to wait until branches reopen to deposit or withdraw cash over the counter, submit cheques, open new accounts or provide documents requiring direct assistance from bank officials.
Other services involving account verification, paperwork, branch approval and cheque processing may also be affected. The timing of such transactions will depend on the nature of the service and the arrangements made by the relevant bank.
Customers with urgent financial requirements are advised to complete necessary transactions before the holidays begin. Checking with the relevant bank in advance can help avoid delays and unnecessary visits to closed branches.
Selected Branches to Support Import and Export Activities
Special arrangements have been made to ensure that international trade is not unnecessarily disrupted during the Durga Puja holidays. Selected bank branches and booths located at seaports, land ports and airports will provide limited banking services during the closure.
These facilities are important for businesses involved in international trade, where banking support may be required for commercial transactions, cargo clearance and related financial procedures. Maintaining access to selected services can help reduce unnecessary delays in import and export operations.
The banks concerned have been instructed to coordinate with local administrations, port authorities and customs officials to make the necessary arrangements for these services.
Stock Trading to Remain Suspended
The country’s two major stock exchanges, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), will also suspend regular trading during the five-day holiday period.
Investors will therefore be unable to buy or sell shares through normal market operations during the break. Regular trading at both exchanges is expected to resume on Sunday (25 October).
Investors who engage in frequent trading should take the holiday schedule into account when planning their transactions.
Overall, while regular banking operations and stock market trading will remain suspended, customers will retain access to selected ATM, card and digital banking facilities. Limited services at designated port branches will also support trade-related activities. Customers are advised to arrange essential cash withdrawals and complete time-sensitive banking transactions before the holiday period begins.