The Government of Bangladesh has declared a general public holiday on Thursday, February 12, when the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum will be held. According to a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, all government, semi-government, autonomous, private offices, and educational institutions will remain closed on election day. However, several essential services and specific personnel are exempt from the holiday to ensure public convenience and smooth election operations.

Hospitals, fire service, electricity, gas, water, and emergency telecommunication services will continue to operate. Media organizations, including newspapers, online news portals, and television channels, along with their staff, are also exempt. Law enforcement agencies such as police, Ansar, RAB, and the army deployed for election duties will remain active. Election officials including returning officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers will perform their duties as scheduled.

The Election Commission Secretariat and its field offices will remain open throughout the day to manage election activities, while teachers and bank employees assigned to polling duties will also work despite the general holiday.