Bangladesh Bank keeps BACH and RTGS services open during Eid holidays
The decision was issued through a circular dated 18 May 2026 by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department.
Bangladesh Bank has decided to keep the Bangladesh Automated Clearing House (BACH) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems operational in a limited capacity on 25 and 26 May, even during government holidays, to ensure continuity of essential banking transactions.
The decision was issued through a circular dated 18 May 2026 by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department.
The central bank noted that Eid holidays have been scheduled from 26 May to 31 May, totalling seven days. However, some bank branches will remain open on 25 and 26 May, prompting limited banking operations during this period.
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Under the arrangement, services under BACH, including the Bangladesh Automated Cheque Processing System (BACPS) and Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN), will operate on a restricted schedule.
According to the circular, for BACPS, the presentment cut-off time for High Value Clearing has been set until 11:30am. For Regular Value Clearing, the presentment cut-off time is 12pm, while the return cut-off time is 1pm. The return cut-off time for Regular Value Clearing will also remain open until 12:30pm.
Bangladesh Bank said BEFTN will continue to operate its three daily sessions as per the existing schedule.
RTGS service schedule
Under the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, transactions in both Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) and foreign currency (FC) will be processed from 10am to 12:45pm.
Interbank fund transfer and return activities will remain operational from 10am to 1pm.
The central bank has instructed all scheduled banks and financial institutions to strictly follow the designated timetable during the period.
