Bank branches will remain open from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday to facilitate people for settling their transactions before its closure from Wednesday as the government is set to enforce a strict lockdown across the country.

The Bangladesh Bank took the decision on Monday to extend the transaction hour by two hours, according to media reports.

However, officials and employees have to stay at their workplaces till 5pm to complete their relevant works after the transaction period.

On Sunday, the central bank extended transaction hours for banks until 1pm instead of 12:30pm for Monday and Tuesday.

Earlier on April 4, the Bangladesh Bank cut the transaction time for banks by three and a half hours for the weeklong lockdown aimed at preventing the increasing rate of Covid-19 infections.

On Monday, the central bank issued a notice saying all the scheduled banks will remain closed amid strict lockdown from Wednesday until April 21.

It said bank branches, sub-branches, and its ATM booths located in the sea, land and airports, as well as customs areas should be opened at all times by consulting with the local administration and customs authorities.

It also asked the lenders to keep adequate cash and internet services at their ATM booths to ensure uninterrupted service to their clients.

Meanwhile, the daily withdrawal limit from ATM booths has been extended to Tk1 lakh during the strict lockdown period.

Source : Dhaka Tribune