, March 19 -- Banks, insurance companies, and stock markets across the country have entered a seven-day holiday to observe Eid-ul-Fitr and will open on March 24.

The government's decision to declare March 18 a public holiday to extend the Eid break has resulted in a continuous closure of financial institutions from Tuesday, March 17, to Monday, March 23.

During this extended break, Bangladesh Bank has issued directives to ensure heightened security at bank premises and to maintain sufficient cash flow in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, emphasized the importance of safety measures.

"We have taken steps to ensure that security is ironclad. Instructions have been given to prevent any...