Gazette issued declaring March 18 public holiday

The government has declared a public holiday on March 18 through an executive order, placing it between the holidays of Shab-e-Qadr and Eid ul-Fitr.

The decision was announced in a gazette notification issued by Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday.

According to the notification, all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions, as well as private offices, will remain closed on March 18.

However, essential services will remain operational and will be outside the scope of the holiday. These include electricity, water, gas and other energy supply services, fire services, port operations, sanitation activities, telephone and internet services and postal services. Vehicles and personnel engaged in these services will also continue their duties.

Hospitals and emergency medical services will also remain operational. Doctors, healthcare workers and personnel involved in medical services, including those transporting medicines and medical equipment, will remain on duty.

The notification further stated that Bangladesh Bank will issue necessary instructions regarding banking operations, while the Supreme Court of Bangladesh will provide directives on court activities.

For private industrial establishments and factories, Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue guidelines regarding the declaration of holidays in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

SH