Bank transactions to be carried out from 10am to 12:30pm amid lockdown – Dhaka Tribune

However, the countrys lenders will operate from 10am to 2pm

The Bangladesh Bank on Sunday cut the transaction time for banks by three and a half hours for the week-long lockdown aimed to prevent the increasing rate of Covid-19 infections.

Now, the transactions will be carried out from 10am to 12:30pm a step the central bank has taken only to meet banking emergencies.

However, the countrys lenders will operate from 10am to 2pm, the central bank said in a notice issued on the day.

Various payment and clearing systems introduced by the central bank should continue for all types of deposits and withdrawals, distribution of allowance under the various social programmes of the government, remittance payments, and payment of utility bills.

Lenders who have multiple branches within two kilometres in the city corporation and district headquarters will be able to open one branch apart from an authorized dealer branch, as per the BB notice.

Authorized dealer branches should be open for conducting important and urgent foreign transactions.

Required manpower will be arranged by the lenders for continuing emergency banking services at head offices and branches and the presence of the officials can be considered on a priority basis or for those who live nearby, the central bank said.

The government and the central banks instructions on hygiene and health guidelines should be ensured among bank officials, the BB notice adds.

Bank branches, sub-branches, booths located in the sea, land and airports, and customs areas should be opened at all times by consulting with the local administration and customs authorities.

The central bank also asked the lenders to keep adequate cash at their branches and ATM booths to ensure services to their clients.

On Saturday, the government declared the seven-day countrywide lockdown beginning from Monday as part of its effort to curb the surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.

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Bank transactions to be carried out from 10am to 12:30pm amid lockdown - Dhaka Tribune