Dhaka, March 24 -- Bangladesh Bank has asked banks to keep branches open in garment industrial zones on Mar 28 and 29, even as banks will remain closed for nine consecutive days-from March 28 to April 5-on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The directive, issued in a notification Monday, aims to facilitate export bill encashment and the disbursement of salaries, bonuses, and other allowances to garment workers ahead of Eid.

Branches in designated areas will open from 10am to 3pm on Mar 28, with transactions allowed until 12 noon. On Mar 29, branches will run from 10am to 2pm, with transactions until 1pm, it said.

The central bank stated that bank branches, sub-branches, and booths in sea, land, and airport customs areas will remain open 24/7...