Banks and stock markets to remain closed for five days during Durga Puja

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Banks and stock market trading across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from October 20 to 24, combining the Durga Puja public holidays with the weekend. However, limited banking services will remain available at branches and booths in seaports, land ports and airports to support import and export activities.

The government has declared October 20, 21 and 22 public holidays for Durga Puja. The closures will be followed by the regular weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24.

Bangladesh Bank issued a directive on Sunday, October 11, outlining the arrangements. Meanwhile, banks will remain open on Saturday, October 17, operating as usual on that day despite it being a weekly holiday.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) will also suspend trading during the five-day period, as stock market transactions are closely linked to banking operations.

To ensure that import and export activities continue during the holidays, Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to maintain limited services at branches and booths in port and customs areas. Banks concerned have been asked to coordinate with local administrations and port and customs authorities to make the necessary arrangements.

Earlier, on October 7, the Ministry of Public Administration announced the three-day public holiday from October 20 to 22 for Durga Puja. It also decided that government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices would remain open on October 17.