The government has extended the official public holiday for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, resulting in a continuous seven-day holiday for most public sector employees. This includes the observance of Shab-e-Qadr, adding an extra day to the already scheduled break, according to a notification issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Public Administration.

However, the government has explicitly clarified that not all services and institutions will fall under this holiday, as certain sectors providing essential and emergency services will remain operational.

Official Notification Details

The official gazette states that in accordance with Section 37 of the Ministry of Public Administration’s regulations, 18 March (Wednesday) has been declared an additional public holiday. During this period, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will be closed.

Despite this, a number of sectors critical to public welfare will continue to function without interruption. These include electricity, water, gas, fire services, port operations, sanitation, telecommunications, internet services, and postal services. Personnel and vehicles associated with these services will remain on duty.

Medical services have also been exempted from the holiday. Hospitals and emergency care facilities will continue to operate, and doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, as well as vehicles transporting medicines and medical equipment, will be actively deployed. Other offices engaged in urgent or emergency work are similarly exempt.

Special directives have been issued for banks and courts. Bangladesh Bank will provide guidance on banking operations during the holiday, while the Supreme Court will issue instructions regarding the judicial schedule. In the private sector, factories and other establishments will follow the guidance of the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

Holiday Schedule Overview

With this arrangement, public sector employees enjoy a seven-day continuous break, while essential services remain uninterrupted, ensuring both festivity and public safety are maintained.