Government publishes list of 92 national and international days in three categories

The government has published a list of 92 national and international days divided into three categories, aiming to streamline their observance and reduce public expenditure.

The Cabinet Division issued a circular on Sunday (October 11), outlining the three categories of days to be observed across the country.

According to the circular, the first category includes 18 national and international days. The second comprises 39 days traditionally observed or considered particularly helpful for environmental conservation, development and social awareness in the current context. The third category includes 35 days designated as symbolic observances for specific sectors.

The circular also sets out guidelines for observing these days, excluding national-level festivals. It instructs authorities to avoid elaborate decorations and large-scale variety programmes as far as possible.

Discussions may be broadcast on radio and television, while seminars and symposiums may be organised on a limited scale. Gatherings and processions should be avoided on working days.

For observances lasting a week, programmes should generally be limited to three days. The circular also requires authorities to ensure that government-approved programmes do not disrupt regular office activities. Discussions and cultural programmes should preferably be arranged on holidays or after office hours.

General events that do not require expenditure on money or resources, either in cash or in kind, may be organised on holidays or working days.

The circular further advises authorities to avoid bringing officials and employees to Dhaka from outside the capital or from district-level offices, as far as possible, to observe any particular day or week.

To maintain government expenditure-saving measures, ministries and divisions have been instructed to observe similar national and international days together on the same date, giving priority to the relevant international observance.

Where applicable, ministries and divisions will send summaries on the matter to the Cabinet Division for presentation at Cabinet meetings, the circular said.