C T Online Desk: The government has decided to declare 18 March a public holiday in addition to the previously announced leave to ensure smooth travel for people heading home during Eid-ul-Fitr.
The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
With the newly approved holiday, government employees will effectively enjoy a seven-day break during the Eid period.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj confirmed the development.
He said that following the scheduled holiday for Shab-e-Qadr on 17 March, the government has declared 18 March a general holiday through an executive order.
As a result, all government and autonomous institutions will remain closed for seven consecutive days, combining the holidays for Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to the official holiday calendar, 21 March is the public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. Additionally, 19, 20, 22 and 23 March will be holidays by executive order—two days before and two days after Eid.
In total, government employees will enjoy seven consecutive days of holiday during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival.
