Banks to stay open on Saturday for election payments

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed banks to keep their branches open on Saturday to facilitate election-related financial transactions ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

The central bank issued a circular today, saying the decision was taken to ensure the smooth deposit of nomination fees and the purchase of voter lists by candidates.

According to the circular, candidates will be able to make payments through bank drafts, pay orders or treasury challans at any branch of scheduled banks across the country.

The move followed a request from the Election Commission, which sought uninterrupted banking services during the nomination process.

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Election process must stay on track

In a letter sent to the BB today, the commission said December 29 is the last date for submitting nomination papers. However, banks would otherwise remain closed for three consecutive days – December 25 for Christmas, followed by weekly holidays on December 26 and 27.

Under electoral rules, candidates must submit security deposits and fees for purchasing voter list CDs through bank drafts, pay orders or treasury challans along with their nomination papers. Uninterrupted bank closures would make it impossible for candidates to complete these transactions.