Bangladesh Bank has ordered to keep banks open next Saturday (March 25) as a weekend.
Bangladesh Bank’s Department of Off-Site Supervision has issued a circular in this regard on Thursday (March 23) to the chief executives of commercial banks.
Bank branches and sub-branches related to Hajj activities have been asked to be kept open by ensuring adequate security with a limited number of manpower.
It has also been said that for the sake of Hajj management, banks should be kept open all day (9:30 am to 4 pm) with adequate security through a limited number of manpower on Saturdays and weekends.
At the same time, on March 27 (Monday), the banks have been instructed to take arrangements for payment of vouchers prepared even after office hours. This directive is issued in the public interest under the powers given in Section 45 of the Bank Companies Act, 1991.
According to the instructions of the Ministry of Religion, the cost of Hajj has been reduced by 11 thousand 725 taka. Besides, the new registration period has been extended till March 27. The current Hajj package price has been fixed at Tk 6 lakh 71 thousand 290 under the government management. Hajj package price under private management will be set at 6 lakh 60 thousand 893 taka.
From May 21, the first flight with pilgrims will leave for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
