Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday directed all the commercial banks to keep their branches open on August 6 in the industrial areas in Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna so that smooth payments for workers through bank transactions can be ensured.

The central bank issued a directive to the chief executives of the banks in this reared today, according to a BB circular. The arrangement has been made following requests from Labour and Employment Ministry and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), it said.

Under the directive, the bank branches located in Dhaka city, Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Khulna and Chittagong will remain open on the day. The central bank also urged the banks concerned to ensure adequate security for the branches. —UNB