In light of ongoing unrest related to quota reform demands, the government has announced a three-day general holiday from August 5th to 7th, starting tomorrow. This decision follows several days of limited office hours and holidays last month. The Public Administration Ministry issued the official notification this afternoon.
A nationwide curfew has been imposed from 6 PM today until further notice due to escalating conflicts. This curfew will apply to all divisional capitals, city corporations, municipalities, industrial areas, district, and upazila headquarters.
With the curfew in effect, the government has also declared the general holiday. The Public Administration Ministry’s notification specifies that the holiday, declared by executive order, will follow similar conditions to previous holidays. All government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will be closed. However, essential services, including electricity, water, gas, other fuels, fire services, ports, cleanliness services, telephone, internet, postal services, and related transportation and personnel, will remain operational.
Hospitals, emergency services, healthcare professionals, medical equipment transport, and staff will also be exempt from the holiday.
Offices engaged in essential work will remain open. The Supreme Court will provide guidance on court operations, while the Bangladesh Bank will issue directives for banking activities, as outlined in the notification.
Previously, on the night of July 19, the government imposed a curfew nationwide. Initially, a two-day general holiday was declared for July 21st and 22nd, which was later extended. Offices then operated on a limited schedule before resuming normal hours on July 31st.
The student movement demanding quota reform called for the government’s resignation on August 3rd and initiated a non-cooperation movement today. This has led to conflicts and clashes across various regions, including Dhaka, with reports indicating 43 fatalities. In response to the situation, the government has announced the three-day general holiday following the curfew.
