All scheduled banks across Bangladesh will remain open this Saturday to help election candidates submit nomination papers for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

Election Commission sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday requesting the special arrangement. Central bank issued a notification in the evening, directing all bank branches to operate on 27th December despite it being a weekly holiday.

Request was made to allow candidates to deposit security money and purchase CDs of voter lists. December 29 marks the last day for nomination paper submission, but three consecutive public holidays create challenges for candidates.

December 25 is Christmas Day, followed by weekly holidays on Friday, 26th December, and Saturday, 27th December. Election rules require candidates to submit security deposits and voter list CD payments through bank drafts, pay orders or treasury challans along with nomination papers.

With banks closed for three consecutive days, depositing these payments would become impossible. Election Commission highlighted this concern in its letter to Bangladesh Bank, seeking special dispensation for Saturday banking operations.

Move ensures candidates can complete banking activities and obtain required pay orders or treasury challans without missing the deadline. Election Commission announced the schedule for 13th National Parliamentary Election on December 11. Candidates are currently collecting nomination papers.

Election is scheduled to be held on 12th February next year. Special Saturday banking arrangement applies to all scheduled banks nationwide, enabling smooth processing of election-related financial transactions during the critical nomination period.