Bangladesh Public Holidays

Bangladesh Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Bangladesh? All public holidays in Bangladesh are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Bangladesh employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Bangladesh and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

 

Public holidays in Bangladesh play an integral role in the cultural, religious, and national identity of the country. These holidays can be classified into religious, cultural, and national holidays, observed with respect by people across the country.

Religious Holidays in Bangladesh

Religious holidays in Bangladesh are predominantly centered around the Islamic faith, as Islam is the dominant religion in the country. However, other religious communities such as Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians also observe their respective religious festivals.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in Bangladesh, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

• Celebration: It is celebrated with much fervor by Muslims across the country, starting with a special Eid prayer held in mosques and open fields.
• Traditions: People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and prepare special dishes to enjoy with family and friends. Charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, is given to the poor.
• Holiday Duration: Generally, three consecutive days are marked as public holidays, but the festive spirit can last longer.

Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another major Islamic holiday in Bangladesh. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

• Celebration: Muslims offer prayers and then sacrifice animals such as goats, cows, or camels, and the meat is shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
• Holiday Duration: Like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha is usually observed over three days.

Ashura (Muharram)

Ashura, on the 10th of Muharram, is an Islamic holiday observed primarily by the Shia Muslim community to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.

• Traditions: Shia Muslims participate in processions and re-enact the events of Karbala, while Sunni Muslims fast and reflect on the day.
• Holiday Significance: It is a day of mourning for the Shia community and a day of contemplation for Sunni Muslims.

Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat, the “Night of Forgiveness,” is an Islamic holiday during which Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins and pray for their deceased loved ones.

• Celebration: Devotees spend the night in prayer and reflection. Special prayers are held in mosques, and many people visit the graves of their relatives.
• Holiday Tradition: Sweets and special dishes are prepared and shared among family, friends, and neighbors.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is the most significant Hindu festival in Bangladesh, celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, particularly in regions with a large Hindu population.

• Celebration: It lasts for several days, with elaborate rituals, prayers, and celebrations at temples and pandals (temporary structures). The festival concludes with the immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga in rivers.
• Public Holiday: A public holiday is observed on the final day of Durga Puja, known as Bijoya Dashami.

Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima is the most important Buddhist festival in Bangladesh, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.

• Celebration: It includes prayer services, meditation, and processions. Buddhist communities visit monasteries and shrines, offering food and flowers to the monks.
• Public Holiday: This day is a public holiday for the Buddhist community.

Christmas Day

Christmas, celebrated by the Christian community in Bangladesh, marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Celebration: Churches hold special masses, and Christians celebrate with feasts, decorations, and gatherings.
• Public Holiday: Christmas Day is a public holiday, allowing Christians to celebrate with their families.

National Holidays in Bangladesh

National holidays in Bangladesh commemorate key events and milestones in the history of the country, celebrating its independence, culture, and sovereignty.

Independence Day (March 26)

Independence Day is one of the most significant national holidays in Bangladesh, marking the country’s declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971.

• Celebration: The day is celebrated with parades, speeches, cultural programs, and patriotic songs. The national flag is raised, and tributes are paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
• Public Holiday: March 26 is a public holiday, and various events are held across the country to celebrate the nation’s freedom.

Victory Day (December 16)

Victory Day commemorates the victory of Bangladesh in the Liberation War against Pakistan, leading to the formation of an independent Bangladesh in 1971.

• Celebration: The day is celebrated with patriotic fervor, including parades, speeches, and cultural performances. The national flag is flown, and the contributions of freedom fighters are honored.
• Public Holiday: December 16 is a public holiday in Bangladesh.

International Mother Language Day (February 21)

International Mother Language Day, also known as Ekushey February, is observed to honor the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1952 during the Language Movement, advocating for the recognition of Bengali as a state language.

• Significance: This day is deeply rooted in the history of Bangladesh and is recognized globally by UNESCO.
• Celebration: People pay homage to the language martyrs by placing flowers at the Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) and participating in cultural events and discussions.
• Public Holiday: February 21 is a public holiday in Bangladesh.

Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh)

Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated by people of all faiths in Bangladesh.

• Celebration: The day is marked by fairs, traditional music, dance, and processions. People wear new clothes, visit friends and family, and enjoy traditional Bengali dishes.
• Public Holiday: Pohela Boishakh is a public holiday, and the entire country joins in the festivities, especially in Dhaka, where grand celebrations take place.

National Mourning Day (August 15)

National Mourning Day is observed to remember the assassination of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and most of his family members in 1975.

• Observance: On this day, prayers, speeches, and discussions are held to honor the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The national flag is flown at half-mast, and moments of silence are observed.
• Public Holiday: August 15 is a public holiday in Bangladesh.

Cultural Holidays in Bangladesh

In addition to religious and national holidays, Bangladesh also celebrates cultural holidays that reflect the country’s rich heritage.

Pahela Falgun (First Day of Spring)

Pahela Falgun marks the first day of spring in the Bengali calendar and is celebrated with enthusiasm across Bangladesh, especially by young people.

• Celebration: People wear vibrant yellow clothes, participate in cultural programs, and enjoy the festive atmosphere in parks and public spaces.
• Observance: Though not a public holiday, Pahela Falgun is celebrated widely, with many schools and institutions organizing events.

Nabanna Utsab

Nabanna Utsab is a traditional Bengali harvest festival, celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season.

• Celebration: The festival involves feasting, cultural performances, and folk music. Special dishes made from newly harvested rice are shared with family and community members.
• Significance: Although it is not a public holiday, Nabanna Utsab is an important cultural celebration, particularly in rural areas.

Observance of Public Holidays

Government and Public Institutions

Public holidays in Bangladesh are officially recognized by the government. All government offices, educational institutions, and banks are closed on public holidays. Employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to time off on these days, although some essential services may remain operational.

Private Sector

While the private sector generally follows the public holiday schedule, certain industries, such as transportation and hospitality, may continue operations. In such cases, employees may receive compensatory time off or overtime pay.

Holiday Calendar

Each year, the government of Bangladesh publishes an official holiday calendar that outlines the dates of religious, national, and cultural holidays. Some holidays, particularly Islamic holidays, may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.