Bangladesh is set to begin a seven-day holiday from Tuesday as millions prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival for Muslims.
Government offices, courts and many private establishments will remain closed during the extended break, triggering a nationwide travel rush as people leave major cities—especially Dhaka—to celebrate the festival with family members in their hometowns.
Accordingly, Monday (March 16) is the last working day before Eid.
Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated in the country on March 20 or 21.
The government has also declared March 18 a holiday to ensure that people travelling home for Eid do not face disruption, making Monday the final working day for government officials and employees before the festival.
A boy carries a bag on his head as he leaves Dhaka to celebrate Eid with his family at Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Monday. Photo: Md Rakibul Hasan/UNB
According to the government’s holiday schedule, March 21 has been set as the general holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. Additionally, March 19 and 20, as well as March 22 and 23, were earlier declared holidays by executive order—two days before and two days after Eid—ensuring five consecutive days of leave from March 19 to 23.
Before that, March 17 has already been declared a holiday for Shab-e-Qadr. Initially, offices were scheduled to remain open on March 18 between the holidays.
Homebound passengers throng Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Monday as they head home to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. Photo: Md Rakibul Hasan/UNB
However, amid growing public demand to ensure uninterrupted leave for people travelling home for Eid, the proposal to declare March 18 a holiday was approved at a cabinet meeting.
Following the decision, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on March 8 declaring the day a general holiday, ensuring a continuous seven-day Eid break from March 17 to March 23.
