Banks to Remain Open Sep 25–26 for Hajj Fee Deposits
Bangladesh Bank has directed designated bank branches to remain open on September 25 and 26 to facilitate the collection of Hajj registration fees for 2027. The central bank issued a circular on Wednesday, September 23, signed by its official authority, instructing the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of all scheduled banks across the country to make immediate arrangements to receive payments from intending pilgrims efficiently.
The central bank’s directive comes in light of a recent memorandum issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on September 20. Under these instructions, designated bank branches handling Hajj funds must maintain full operational capacity during regular business hours on both Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, ensuring that all prospective pilgrims can deposit their required registration fees without facing administrative delays or operational bottlenecks.
To accommodate all applicants, Bangladesh Bank instructed bank executives, stating, “If any Hajj applicant arrives to deposit funds after standard banking transaction hours, necessary measures must be taken to accept the payment as long as applicants continue to arrive.” This measure ensures that no applicant is turned away due to strict daily timing cutoffs, providing flexible operational windows for the public during these special deposit days.
In addition to extending transaction hours, the central bank mandated comprehensive operational preparations and security protocols at all participating branches. Bank management must deploy adequate security personnel to safeguard financial transactions and manage overcrowding. The circular emphasized that these instructions were formally issued in the public interest under the powers conferred upon the central bank by Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
With Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers now enforcing these steps, special arrangements are officially active across designated nationwide bank branches. Applicants will enjoy full access on Friday and Saturday, along with extended late-hour services based on applicant presence. This initiative reflects the central bank’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, accessible, and secure Hajj registration process for all citizens preparing for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
