Govt limits spending on observance of national days

The government has issued new guidelines for observing national and international days, categorising 92 observances into three groups and restricting spending and ceremonial activities to ensure cost savings and minimise disruption to official work.

The Cabinet Division issued the circular on Sunday (October11), dividing the observances into 18 national-level days and festivals, 39 days associated with tradition, environmental protection, development and social awareness, and 35 symbolic days linked to specific sectors. 

Under the guidelines, government funding of up to Tk 50,000 may be provided for observances in the second category, depending on their significance. No special development-budget allocation will be made for the 35 symbolic days.

The circular advises ministries and divisions to avoid repetitive or less relevant observances and combine similar national and international days falling on the same date, giving priority to the relevant international day.

It also discourages elaborate decorations and large-scale cultural programmes, except for major national festivals. Discussions on radio and television, along with seminars and symposia on a limited scale, may be organised.

Rallies and processions should be avoided on working days, while programmes marking an observance week should generally be limited to three days. Official events must not disrupt regular office activities, and discussions and cultural programmes should preferably be held on holidays or after office hours.

The guidelines also advise against bringing officials and employees from districts or other areas outside Dhaka to attend observances. Events that require no expenditure in cash or kind may be held on working days or holidays.

The circular states that programmes involving Education Week, Science Week, Police Week, Fisheries Fortnight and Armed Forces Day on November 21 require guidance from the Prime Minister.

It also designates November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day and declares the day a public holiday, according to media reports. The new circular replaces an earlier directive issued on March 11.