PM extends holiday giving 5-day break; increases festival grants

Ramakrishna Math, Dhaka, Bangladesh, celebrated Sharadiya Durga Puja with usual solemnity, festivities and spiritual flavor in 2025. Both the physical and the virtual presence of the devotees were abundant. AA File Photo

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced an extension of government holidays and an increase in state grants for the Hindu community's flagship festival, SharadiyaDurga Puja, as well as upcoming Buddhist religious celebrations.

For Durga Puja, the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had initially requested an allocation of Tk 40 million. However, under special consideration from the Prime Minister, the grant was bumped up to Tk 50 million-an additional Tk 10 million boost over the requested amount.

A similar gesture was extended to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for their upcoming KathinChibar Dan ceremony. While the trust requested Tk 20 million, the Prime Minister approved an enhanced grant of Tk 30 million. The announcement follows the celebration of ProbaranaPurnima, the Buddhist community's second-largest festival, on September 25.

A Five-Day Holiday Stretch

Alongside the financial support, public sector employees are set to enjoy a longer festive break this year.

According to the official calendar, Tuesday, October 20, was already designated an executive holiday for Mahanavami, followed by a general holiday on Wednesday, October 21, for BijoyaDashami.

Government offices and courts were originally scheduled to resume operations on Thursday, October 22. However, with Prime Minister TariqueRahman declaring October 22 a holiday today, it seamlessly connects with the weekend on Friday and Saturday (October 23-24)-giving civil servants a five-day continuous break from October 20 to 24.

Essential Services to Remain Open

While banking and financial institution counters generally remain closed on public holidays, essential digital channels-including ATMs, card transactions, and online banking-will operate uninterrupted. Select branches may also remain open based on Bangladesh Bank guidelines.

Emergency and public utility personnel-including healthcare workers, law enforcement, fire services, and utility providers (electricity, gas, and water)-will remain on duty throughout the holiday period. Staff at key institutions, including media houses, will also continue operations.

A Gesture of Goodwill

The extended break and enhanced funding have drawn widespread appreciation from community leaders. BijonKantiSarkar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Minority Affairs (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Ethnic Minorities), hailed the move as a testament to communal harmony and inclusive governance.

"The Prime Minister added one day to the official holiday, but in effect, it opens up a full five-day festive break," Sarkar told reporters. "This will make the celebrations far more joyful and seamless for everyone. By granting funds above what was requested, the Prime Minister has clearly demonstrated a positive, inclusive approach toward all religious communities-a gesture that is deeply commendable."

>>Bernard Priyam, AA

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