The Government has extended the official public holiday for this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr by one day, offering civil servants a continuous seven-day break. The announcement was formalised on Sunday through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, covering both the sacred Night of Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr) and the Eid festival itself.
While the measure grants an uninterrupted holiday for government officers and employees, it does not encompass all sectors and essential services. The notification clearly states that public, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed during this period. However, certain critical sectors providing essential services will continue to operate to ensure public convenience and safety.
Sectors Exempted from the Holiday
According to the official notification, the following sectors are excluded from the holiday schedule to maintain vital services:
| Sector | Exempted Activities | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Gas & Other Fuels | Supply and maintenance | Emergency services maintained |
| Fire Service | Firefighting and oversight | Operational 24 hours |
| Port Operations | Transportation of vehicles and cargo | Both international and domestic ports remain active |
| Sanitation & Waste Management | City cleanliness, garbage collection | Routine operations continue |
| Postal & Telecommunications | Mail delivery, internet, and telephone services | Emergency services ongoing |
| Hospitals & Emergency Care | Doctor and nurse duties | Essential medical services continue |
| Transport of Medicines & Medical Equipment | Relevant vehicles and personnel | Supply uninterrupted |
The notification also clarified that the operations of banks and courts will be subject to guidance from Bangladesh Bank and the Supreme Court, respectively. For private industries and enterprises, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue directives in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.
Scheduled Holiday Dates
The government’s official holiday calendar for this year designates the following dates for Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr:
| Date | Occasion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 17 March | Shab-e-Qadr | General holiday |
| 18 March | Special government holiday | As per executive order |
| 19 March | Pre-Eid holiday | As per executive order |
| 20 March | Pre-Eid holiday | As per executive order |
| 21 March | Eid-ul-Fitr | General holiday |
| 22 March | Post-Eid holiday | As per executive order |
| 23 March | Post-Eid holiday | As per executive order |
In summary, government officials and employees will enjoy a full seven-day break coinciding with Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr, while essential services in health, safety, energy, and communication sectors will remain uninterrupted. The arrangement ensures that the general public experiences no disruption in daily services or emergency access during the festive period.