Government offices, courts almost deserted on the first working day after Eid

Government offices and courts are yet to get into gear after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays ended on Wednesday.

Few employees showed up at the Secretariat, the main administrative hub, as many had taken the day off on Thursday to enjoy a nine-day holiday at a stretch.

Similar situation prevailed at the Judge Court in Old Dhaka, and the Supreme Court.

A few employees began trickling in at the Secretariat around 9am, but less than 50 percent attendance was recorded on the day.

The visitors’ lounge, too, was deserted, a departure from the chaos usually seen on weekdays.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon exchanged greetings with the officers at the Secretariat.

Nahid said people could reach their destinations smoothly on this Eid as condition of roads had improved.

“Many have taken the day off as an optional holiday. They can enjoy vacation for three more days,” he said.

Menon said that tourist spots in the country thrived with visitors during this Eid.

“We could not accommodate all visitors. This indicates that our infrastructure needs to be improved. Many flew abroad as well on Eid,” he said.

He hoped that the office will get back to normal on Sunday.

The officials at the Secretariat told bdnews24.com that most of the ministers and state ministers had celebrated Eid in their constituency. They might come to office in the afternoon.

Cyber Tribunal Judge KM Shamsul Islam pronounced the judgement over the case over the leak of the executed war criminal Salauddin Quader Chowdhury's verdict on Thursday.

Metropolitan Sessions Court judge Kamrul Hossain Molla was present at the courtroom.

Dhaka's District Sessions Judge SM Quddus Zaman was on leave while many judges at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court and Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court are yet to resume office.