Library Hours in Bangladesh: What Time Do Libraries Open Today?

Most government public libraries in Bangladesh are open Sunday–Thursday and Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. All government libraries are closed on Friday. Some university and private libraries keep extended or weekend hours.

Government Library Hours in Bangladesh

The table below covers standard hours set by the Department of Public Libraries (DPL) under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Individual branches may vary slightly.

Library Type	Days Open	Opening Time	Closing Time
Central Public Library (Shahbagh, Dhaka)	Sat–Thu	9:00 AM	8:00 PM
Divisional Government Public Library	Sun–Thu, Sat	9:00 AM	5:00 PM
District Government Public Library	Sun–Thu, Sat	9:00 AM	5:00 PM
Upazila Branch Library	Sun–Thu, Sat	9:00 AM	5:00 PM
Bangla Academy Library (Dhaka)	Sun–Thu, Sat	9:30 AM	5:30 PM
National Library of Bangladesh	Sun–Thu, Sat	9:00 AM	5:00 PM
University / Academic Library	Sun–Thu, Sat	8:00 AM	8:00 PM
All Government Libraries	Friday — CLOSED	—	—

Library Hours by Division in Bangladesh

Each division has at least one government public library operated by the DPL. Standard hours apply across all divisions: Sunday–Thursday and Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Friday.

Dhaka Division — includes Central Public Library, Narayanganj, Gazipur district libraries
Chittagong Division — includes Chittagong Divisional Public Library, Cox's Bazar branch
Rajshahi Division — includes Rajshahi Divisional Public Library, Bogura district library
Khulna Division — includes Khulna Divisional Public Library, Jessore district library
Sylhet Division — includes Sylhet Divisional Public Library, Moulvibazar branch
Barisal Division — includes Barisal Divisional Public Library, Patuakhali district library
Rangpur Division — includes Rangpur Divisional Public Library, Dinajpur district library
Mymensingh Division — includes Mymensingh Divisional Public Library, Netrokona branch

Libraries Open on Friday in Bangladesh

All government public libraries are closed on Friday. The following private, community, and institutional libraries may remain open — always confirm before visiting.

Drik Library & Resource Centre — Dhanmondi, Dhaka · approx. 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Batighar Reading Sanctuary — Dhaka · select Fridays (verify before visiting)
BRAC University Library — Mohakhali, Dhaka · limited Friday access for enrolled students
Pathshala South Asian Institute of Photography Library — Dhaka · check current hours
Selected Community Reading Rooms (Pathagar) — Various upazilas · hours set by local authority

Hours may change during Ramadan or national holidays. Call ahead or check the library's official Facebook page before visiting on a Friday.

Are Libraries Open Today?

The fastest way to check whether a specific library in Bangladesh is open right now is to use the directory on BDLibraries.com. Each library profile shows today's open/closed status, the full address, contact number, and any announced changes for public holidays or Ramadan. Filter by division, district, or library type to find the nearest open option instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time do government libraries open in Bangladesh?

A: Government public libraries open at 9:00 AM on all working days (Sunday–Thursday and Saturday) and close at 5:00 PM. The Central Public Library in Shahbagh, Dhaka has extended hours until 8:00 PM.

Q: Are libraries closed on Friday in Bangladesh?

A: Yes. All government public libraries — divisional, district, and upazila branches — are closed on Friday. A small number of private and community libraries may open on Fridays with reduced hours.

Q: Do library hours change during Ramadan or public holidays?

A: Yes. During Ramadan, most government libraries shift to shorter hours, typically 9:00 AM–3:30 PM. Libraries are also closed on all official government holidays. Check individual library listings on BDLibraries.com or contact the library directly for current schedules.