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All scheduled banks across the country will remain open on Saturday following a directive from Bangladesh Bank (BB) to facilitate election-related financial transactions ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.
In a circular issued on Wednesday to all banks, the central bank said the decision was taken after receiving a request from the Election Commission (EC).
The move aims to ensure smooth submission of candidates' security deposits and payments for voter list CDs through bank drafts, pay orders, or treasury challans.
The EC had earlier written to Bangladesh Bank requesting that banks remain open on the day, citing practical difficulties candidates might face if banking services were unavailable.
Thursday has been declared a public holiday on the occasion of Christmas, followed by the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday. With the deadline for submission of nomination papers set for December 29, a three-day closure of banks could have disrupted the nomination process.
Bangladesh Bank has existing policies to keep banks open on holidays during special circumstances.
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