March 18 declared public holiday, notification issued

The government has declared a one-day public holiday on March 18 (Wednesday) on the occasion of the upcoming Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this effect on Sunday, March 8.

The notification stated that all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices will remain closed on the declared holiday.

However, emergency services will remain outside the purview of this holiday. These include electricity, water, gas and other fuel supply, fire service and port activities, sanitation services, telephone and internet services, postal services, hospitals and emergency medical services, doctors and related staff, and vehicles carrying medicines and medical equipment.

The notification further mentioned that Bangladesh Bank will provide directives regarding keeping banking operations open, and the Bangladesh Supreme Court will provide directives regarding court activities.

The decision has been taken through an executive order, and the convenience of the general public will be ensured in the government programme.