7-day Eid holiday confirmed, says Cabinet Secretary

The government has brought news of a long holiday for government officials and employees on the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr. A decision has been made to add an additional general holiday to the pre-scheduled holidays to ensure a hassle-free Eid journey. As a result, government employees will now enjoy a continuous seven-day break.

The in-principle decision to declare March 18 a general holiday was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last Thursday, March 5. Later on Friday, March 6, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani confirmed the news, stating that under the prime minister's special directive, this additional holiday has been planned to make the public's Eid journey hassle-free and comfortable. Although the formal notification for this decision has not yet been issued, the concerned department has confirmed it will be completed shortly.

As a result of this new decision, government employees will be able to enjoy a continuous seven-day holiday from March 17 to March 23.

According to the previous calendar, a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23 was almost certain. With March 18 now added as a general holiday, the holiday period will begin from March 17, meaning all government offices and activities across the country will remain closed for a full week.

Depending on the sighting of the moon, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr may be celebrated in the country on March 20 or 21. The government has arranged the holiday schedule based on the calculation of Ramadan completing 30 days. If Ramadan completes 30 days, Eid will be celebrated on March 21. Accordingly, March 21 will be the main Eid holiday, with two days before and after declared by executive order, totalling four days. Combined with the newly added day and weekly holidays, this long break has been created.