BRPD Circular Letter No. 16: Extension of Banking Hour as well as Keeping the Bank Branches Open in the Dhaka Metropolitan City on the Days before Eid-ul-Adha and Strengthening of Safety of Business Centers of the Banks.

Banking Regulation and Policy Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka. BRPD Circular Letter No. 16 23 Sraban 1426 Date: ----------------- 07 August 2019 Managing Director / Chief Executive All Scheduled Banks operating in Bangladesh.

Dear Sir,

Regarding the continuation of normal banking operations and evening banking at various bank branches in Dhaka on the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Adha, and ensuring the safety of banks during holidays.

On the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Adha, a large number of traders gather at the livestock markets for sacrifice animals, which are managed and supervised by the Dhaka North and South City Corporations, and a huge amount of cash transactions take place. Consequently, the security of financial transactions at these markets is of great importance. It is noted that various bank branches operate their regular programs at a distance from the livestock markets. Bank branches near these markets are used by livestock traders to avail banking assistance for transactions related to the sale of their animals. In addition, it is very important to ensure the security of all business centers of the banks and important establishments on the declared holiday days of Eid-ul-Adha.

2. In this context, it is advised to keep bank branches near the livestock markets open for normal banking operations from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and for evening banking operations from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the three days (9, 10, 11 August, 2019) before the weekly and general holidays of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. In this regard, it is suggested that reasonable allowances be provided to the officers and clerks on duty on the three days (9, 10, 11 August, 2019) before the weekly and general holidays of Eid-ul-Adha.

3. To ensure the security of all business centers of the banks and important establishments, compliance with the guidelines issued through BRPD Circular No. 07/2015 and BRPD Circular No. 09/2015, which were issued to tackle IT-related risks more effectively and productively, must be ensured. Furthermore, it is advised to take appropriate measures to ensure the security of bank branches and vaults on holidays, including other holidays before and after the general holiday of Eid-ul-Adha, by conducting surprise inspections of branches by designated officers during nighttime. It is also advised to maintain constant communication with law enforcement agencies.

Yours faithfully,

(A.K.M. Mahiuddin Azad) General Manager Phone: 9530252 Dn: B. B. D. H. N.