BRPD Circular Letter No. 38: Extension of Banking Hour as well as Keeping the Bank Branches/Sub Branches Open adjacent to Qurbani Cattle haat under Dhaka South and North City Corporation

Banking Regulation and Policy Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka. Ref No: BRPD-Circular-38 BRPD Circular Letter No. 38 Date: 18 July 2021 03 Shraban 1428 Date: ---------------- 03 Shraban 1428

To, Managing Director / Chief Executive All Scheduled Banks operating in Bangladesh.

Dear Sir,

In the context of keeping banking activities, including regular banking, open during non-working hours at various bank branches/sub-branches in Dhaka Metropolitan City on the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Adha.

On the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Adha, a large number of businessmen gather at the Qurbani cattle markets (haats) operated under the supervision and management of Dhaka North and South City Corporations, and a huge amount of cash transactions take place. Consequently, the safety of financial transactions at these markets is of great importance. It is mentioned that various bank branches/sub-branches located near the Qurbani cattle markets continue to operate their regular activities. Businessmen dealing in Qurbani cattle can avail themselves of the bank's assistance for their cattle sale proceeds transactions by using these nearby bank branches/sub-branches. Furthermore, if the bank opens temporary booths at the cattle markets, businessmen can avail themselves of the bank's assistance for transaction purposes at the said booths.

2. In view of the above, you are advised to take the following measures: (a) Select the nearest branch/sub-branch to the Qurbani cattle markets of Dhaka North and South City Corporations (list attached) at your own discretion, and take necessary measures to keep banking activities open during non-working hours (from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) at the said branches/sub-branches until July 19, 2021; and to keep normal banking activities open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the said branches/sub-branches on the first day of the holiday declared for Eid-ul-Adha, i.e., the day preceding Eid-ul-Adha (July 20, 2021); (b) Take measures to establish temporary booths at the Qurbani cattle markets at your own discretion, ensuring necessary security arrangements; and (c) Considering the current coronavirus situation, take appropriate measures with utmost caution to address health risks in the field of financial transactions at the booths established at the Qurbani cattle markets and the concerned bank branches/sub-branches.

3. Furthermore, you are advised to provide special allowances to the officers/staff who perform additional duties at the concerned bank branches/sub-branches/booths.

Yours faithfully,

Attachment: As per text.

(Md. Ali Akbar Farazi) General Manager Phone: 9530252