Eid holiday may be extended by one day

A cabinet committee on Sunday recommended extending the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday by one day for the smooth journey of the holidaymakers.

The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order has recommended a holiday on April 9.

Minister of Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque, chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, provided the information to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.

He said the committee's recommendations will be presented in Monday's cabinet meeting. If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday will begin on April 9. However, if someone takes two extra days off, their Eid leave will commence on April 5.

According to the official calendar, April 5 and 6 are Friday and Saturday, respectively. April 7 is the official holiday of Shab-e-Qadr. Government offices, courts, banks, and insurance companies will be open on April 8 and 9.

Until the official Eid-ul-Fitr holiday on April 10, 11, and 12 are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively. April 13 is a Saturday weekend, and April 14 is Pahela Boishakh holiday. Therefore, employees can take a 10-day leave if they utilize two days of leave in between.

Various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Public Administration, are preparing to apply for a two-day leave to take advantage of this opportunity, according to discussions with Secretariat employees.

Other decisions of the Law and Order Committee

In addition to the Eid holiday, several other issues were discussed and decided during Sunday's meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.

Regarding the upazila elections, Minister AKM Mozammel Haque said that this year's 12th national parliamentary election has been deemed acceptable both domestically and internationally.

Attempts by the election boycotters to question this have failed. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure fairness in the upcoming upazila elections and prevent any undue influence.

The government will take necessary action against those spreading rumours through cybercrime or social media. Social media platforms will be asked to take appropriate measures, and if they fail to act, the government will intervene further.

Expressing concern over a series of fires, the minister emphasized that those not adhering to building construction codes will be required to comply.

Addressing the rising crime levels in Rohingya camps, the minister emphasized the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts to facilitate the peaceful return of Rohingyas to their homeland.

During Eid-ul-Fitr, there is usually an increase in the movement of vehicles without fitness certificates. The minister urged authorities not to rent these unfit buses and reminded employers to timely pay bonuses to workers to avoid any discontent.