Banking hour extended to 2:30pm from May 10

The Bangladesh Bank has extended banking hours to 2:30pm from 1pm to be effective from May 10 amid the general holidays.

On Tuesday, the central bank issued a circular in this regard. 

"Bankers will have to stay in branches till 3:30pm for completion of official tasks," read the circular.

However, there will be a break for 15 minutes for Zuhr prayers from 1:15pm to 1:30pm.

The new time will continue until the central bank's further notice, the circular added.

Besides, the central bank has instructed all banks to keep open at least one of their branches in each district or in an important place of the district.

The Bangladesh Bank has also asked banks to keep open foreign currency dealing authorised dealer branches in metropolitan or divisional cities.

The central bank has also directed the banks to maintain the safety and hygiene guidelines of the World Health Organisation while operating the banks.

From March 29, banks have been providing services on a limited scale during the countrywide general holidays announced by the government to curb coronavirus pandemic.