Banks and stock markets across Bangladesh will remain closed for five consecutive days from Tuesday on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, according to Bangladesh Bank.

Under a central bank circular, banks will remain closed from October 20 to 22 for the festival, followed by the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24.

Banks were open on Saturday, October 17, as part of the adjusted work schedule ahead of the extended holiday.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange will also suspend trading during the five-day closure, as stock market transactions are linked to banking operations.
However, limited banking services will remain available at branches and booths in seaports, land ports and airports to facilitate import and export activities during the holidays.

Bangladesh Bank instructed the concerned banks to coordinate with local administrations and port and customs authorities to ensure the necessary services remain operational.

The Ministry of Public Administration announced the October 20-22 public holidays for Durga Puja on October 7. It also directed government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices to remain open on Saturday, October 17.