Govt considers extending Eid holidays

The government is considering extending the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, which are currently set at five days.

Officials said the proposal aims to ensure smooth travel for people returning home during the festive season.

According to sources at the Ministry of Public Administration, the proposal to extend the holidays has been sent to the Cabinet Division. A decision on the matter could be taken at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.

This year, the government has fixed the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays assuming a 30-day month of Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on March 21.

Under the existing holiday schedule, March 21 is a general holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. In addition, March 19 and 20 before Eid, and March 22 and 23 after Eid, have been designated as government holidays by executive order. This means government employees will receive a continuous five-day holiday from March 19 to March 23.

Last year, during the tenure of the interim government, extended Eid holidays helped ensure relatively smooth travel. Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said that extending the holidays to facilitate Eid travel is under consideration.

When asked about the proposal, a Ministry of Public Administration official, speaking to Jago News on condition of anonymity, said the proposal had been sent to the relevant department to reduce travel-related difficulties for people returning home. A longer holiday would allow people to travel in stages, easing congestion. However, any final decision will be made by the Cabinet.

The official did not specify how many additional days might be added. However, it is understood that March 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday) are under consideration. If these two days are declared holidays, government employees could enjoy a continuous 10-day break when combined with March 26 (Thursday) and the regular weekend of March 27 and 28 (Friday and Saturday).