After a five-day break from April 10 to 14, which included Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, government offices across the country, including the Bangladesh Secretariat, the administrative hub, reopened on Monday. However, office attendance was notably low as many government officials and employees had not yet returned to work. Some were observed entering the offices in the afternoon, having traveled directly from their village homes after celebrating the holidays with family.
During a visit to various ministries and divisions at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, it was evident that attendance was lower than usual. Although some officials had returned, the number of employees present was sparse, and most of the car parking spaces within the Secretariat compound were empty.
Several ministers, state ministers, and high-ranking government officials reported to their offices but spent time exchanging greetings with colleagues and visitors who came to extend Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh wishes. However, the number of visitors was also limited as many had not yet returned to Dhaka city after celebrating the holidays in their villages. Additionally, Monday being a public holiday contributed to the reduced visitor numbers.
