4-Day Holiday ahead of 13th National Election

In a major move to ensure maximum voter turnout for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, the government has announced an extended holiday period. Government employees and the general public are set to enjoy a four-day break, while industrial workers will receive a tailored three-day holiday to travel to their voting districts.

The decision was finalized today during a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, confirmed the details during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.

Comprehensive Holiday Schedule

To facilitate smooth travel for voters, the government has approved additional holidays surrounding the election day on February 12 (Thursday).

1. For Government and Private Sector Employees:

• February 11 (Wednesday): Declared a General Holiday (Newly approved).

• February 12 (Thursday): Election Day Holiday (Already announced).

• February 13 (Friday): Weekly Holiday.

• February 14 (Saturday): Weekly Holiday.

• Total: A continuous 4-day holiday period.

2. For Industrial & Garment Workers:

• February 10 (Tuesday): Special Holiday for industrial zones (Newly approved).

• February 11 (Wednesday): General Holiday.

• February 12 (Thursday): Election Day Holiday.

• Total: A 3-day holiday starting from Tuesday to allow workers enough time to reach their hometowns before the voting begins.

Government's Vision: Ensuring Voting Rights

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the Cabinet took these steps to remove all logistical barriers for voters. "The 13th National Election and the Referendum are historic events. We want every citizen, especially the millions of workers in our industrial hubs like Savar, Gazipur, and Narayanganj, to be able to exercise their franchise comfortably," he said.

The 13th National Parliamentary Election and a simultaneous Referendum on the July National Charter are scheduled for February 12. With the campaign season already heating up, the government is taking strict security measures to ensure a peaceful environment during this extended holiday.

Impact on Industry and Public Life

While the long holiday has been welcomed by the general public, the RMG (Ready-Made Garment) sector is preparing for a temporary production halt. BGMEA leaders have reportedly been consulted regarding the February 10 holiday for workers. Banks and financial institutions will also remain closed during the general holidays (Feb 11-12), though ATM services and digital banking are expected to remain operational.