Bangladesh Bank has authorised selected bank branches and sub-branches in key mango-producing districts to remain open on Saturdays until the end of July, aiming to facilitate uninterrupted financial transactions during one of the country’s busiest agricultural trading seasons.
The directive, issued on Thursday through a circular from the central bank’s Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department (SDMAD), instructs all scheduled banks to make necessary arrangements for providing banking services in major mango markets across the greater Rajshahi region.
The move comes as mango trading reaches its seasonal peak, generating substantial volumes of cash transactions in wholesale and retail markets. Farmers, traders, commission agents and transport operators are currently engaged in the harvesting, marketing and distribution of the fruit, creating heightened demand for banking services in the region.
According to Bangladesh Bank, permanent and temporary mango markets in Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Rajshahi and Natore are witnessing significant financial activity. To support this surge in commerce, banks have been directed to ensure adequate cash availability and provide facilities for the safe deposit of earnings generated from mango sales.
The central bank said the initiative is intended not only to facilitate business transactions but also to reduce the security risks associated with carrying and storing large sums of cash. During the harvest season, traders often handle substantial amounts of money on a daily basis, making access to nearby banking facilities particularly important.
Under the special arrangement, branches and sub-branches located near mango markets in Shibganj, Sadar, Gomastapur and Bholahat upazilas of Chapainawabganj district will be allowed to operate on Saturdays. Similar permission has been granted for banking outlets serving mango trading centres in Sapahar, Porsha and Niamatpur upazilas of Naogaon district, as well as selected branches situated near mango markets in Rajshahi and Natore.
The extended banking service will remain in effect until 31 July, covering the most active phase of the mango marketing season.
The greater Rajshahi region is widely regarded as the heart of Bangladesh’s mango industry. Chapainawabganj, often known as the country’s mango capital, is home to vast orchards producing some of Bangladesh’s most popular mango varieties. Each year, the harvest season transforms the local economy, attracting traders from across the country and generating significant economic activity.
The mango supply chain supports thousands of livelihoods, from orchard owners and seasonal workers to transport operators, wholesalers and retailers. As fruit moves from orchards to markets and then to consumers nationwide, large-scale financial transactions become a routine part of daily business operations.
Banking access during this period is considered particularly important because it allows traders to deposit proceeds quickly, transfer payments efficiently and manage working capital without disruption. The availability of banking services on weekly holidays is expected to ease operational pressures and improve overall market efficiency.
Bangladesh Bank has instructed the concerned financial institutions to ensure adequate security measures while operating the designated branches and sub-branches on Saturdays. Banks will have the flexibility to determine staffing and operational requirements based on local demand and transaction volumes.
The central bank said the directive has been issued in the public interest under the authority granted by Section 45 of the Bank Companies Act, 1991.
The measure reflects Bangladesh Bank’s broader efforts to support key sectors of the economy by aligning financial services with seasonal business needs. By extending banking operations in major mango-producing areas, the regulator aims to strengthen commercial activity, enhance financial security and support the smooth functioning of one of Bangladesh’s most valuable agricultural markets.