Bangladesh to go on weeklong Eid-ul-Azha holiday

Hospitals and other emergency services will remain out of the purview of the break

The government has announced a seven-day holiday from May 25 to 31 to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha.

The Ministry of Public Administration said in a notification on Thursday that all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices across the country will be closed from May 25 to 31 for Eid al-Azha.

The offices will be open on May 23 and May 24, it adds.

However, hospitals and other emergency services will remain out of the purview of the holiday.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue directives regarding judicial proceedings, while Bangladesh Bank will finalise measures to maintain essential banking services during the period.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment will provide guidance for private sector industries and institutions on declaring holidays in compliance with the Bangladesh Labour Act.

The weeklong break follows a cabinet decision chaired by the prime minister last week.

With Eid-ul-Azha falling on the 10th of Zilhaj, the festival is likely to be observed on May 28 or 29, contingent upon the sighting of the moon.

This marks the second extended break of the year, following a similar seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr.