Bangladesh Bank (BB) has directed banks to keep open the authorised delaer (AD) branches located at all land and sea ports on Fridays and Saturdays to facilitate trade and commerce.

The regulatory directive came with the view to facilitate import of onion during and before celebration of the Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja, two major festivals.

This directive will remain effective until further notice to banks, a circular issued on Sunday says.

Banks located at Dhaka airport, Chittagong and Mongla sea ports and Sonamosjid, Hilli, Benapole and ICD terminal in Kamalapur are under the directives.