The Ministry of Public Administration has declared Wednesday, December 31, a one-day public holiday across Bangladesh following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The announcement, issued Tuesday and signed by Assistant Secretary A.B.M. Abu Bakar Siddique, states that all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed during the holiday.
According to the official notification, essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telephone and internet, postal services, and related transport and personnel will remain outside the purview of the holiday. Hospitals, emergency services, doctors, and medical staff, as well as vehicles carrying medicines and medical supplies, are also exempted. Offices engaged in urgent work will remain open.
The circular further notes that Bangladesh Bank and the Supreme Court will issue separate instructions regarding banking and court operations for the day.