Banks asked to keep branches open on Jan 5, 6

The Election Commission (EC) has directed all banks to remain open on Friday and Saturday (January 5, and 6), the two days before the 12th Parliamentary Election scheduled for January 7, to meet the poll-related expenses.

EC Deputy Secretary Atiar Rahman on Wednesday sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder with instructions to keep the banks open next Friday and Saturday on a limited scale and with limited manpower, according to local media reports.

However, bank officers and employees on electoral duty are exempted from this directive.

Generally, all types of banks remain closed on Friday and Saturday as it is an official weekend.