Bank branches next to cattle markets in the Dhaka North and South city corporations opened today (Friday) under special arrangements. Transactions, which began at 10am, will continue until 8pm. The central bank ordered the branches to stay open to make transactions easier for Qurbani cattle traders.

Earlier, on Monday, Bangladesh Bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular on this and sent it to the managing directors and chief executives of commercial banks.

The circular said that on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the Qurbani cattle markets run under the supervision and management of the Dhaka North and South city corporations draw huge numbers of traders and see large cash transactions, so the security of financial transactions at the markets is extremely important.

Various bank branches carry out regular banking close to the Qurbani cattle markets. Using these nearby branches, cattle traders can get the bank's help in handling the money from animal sales.

The central bank asked branches near the markets to run extended banking hours (4pm to 8pm) under special arrangements until 30 July. It also asked them to make arrangements for normal banking from 10am to 8pm on the first day of the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, the day before Eid (31 July).

The central bank advised setting up temporary booths at the cattle markets under special consideration, with adequate security. The instruction also said staff working extra hours at the branches or booths concerned should be paid a special allowance.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.