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DHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued a mandatory directive to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks operating in the country to observe International Women's Day on March 8, 2026. 

The central bank's instruction aims to synchronize the banking sector's activities with the national preparations spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to commemorate the day with due solemnity and significance.

According to a circular issued today by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) at the central bank’s headquarters in the city, all financial institutions must adopt and highlight the official theme designated by the government for this year’s observance. 

Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to utilize the theme across all their programmes and promotional activities. The theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

The central bank exercised its regulatory authority under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, to ensure compliance across the industry.

The circular further emphasized that the banking sector plays a critical role in the national observance, and as such, banks are required to take all necessary measures to ensure the designated theme is prominently featured in their respective celebrations.