Following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarek Rahman on March 5, the government has officially declared March 18 a public holiday. This addition bridges the gap between existing holidays, effectively giving government employees a seven-day stretch of time off for Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Updated Holiday Schedule (March 17–23)

• March 17: Shab-e-Qadr (pre-existing holiday)

• March 18: Newly declared government holiday

• March 19–20: Pre-Eid executive holidays

• March 21: Eid-ul-Fitr (general holiday)

• March 22–23: Post-Eid executive holidays

Note: Offices will briefly reopen for two days on March 24 and 25. This will be immediately followed by the Independence Day holiday on March 26 and the regular weekly weekend on March 27–28.

Reason for the Extension The decision, confirmed by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, comes after an appeal from the passenger welfare platform Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity. With an estimated 1.5 million people expected to leave the capital for their hometowns, the extra day off is intended to ease the severe travel rush, mitigate transport chaos, and prevent operators from overcharging passengers.