The government has issued a notification announcing holidays for government and private offices on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja. Offices will remain closed from October 20 to 22, while all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices will remain open on Saturday, October 17.

The notification was issued by the Rules-6 Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration on Wednesday (October 7).

According to the notification, October 20 (Tuesday), October 21 (Wednesday) and October 22 (Thursday) will be public holidays on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja. October 17, which falls on a Saturday, will remain a working day to adjust the holiday schedule.

However, essential and emergency services will remain outside the scope of the holiday. These include electricity, water, gas and other fuel supplies, fire service, port operations, sanitation services, telephone and internet services, postal services, as well as vehicles and personnel engaged in these services.

Hospitals, emergency medical services and personnel involved in such services will also remain operational. Doctors, healthcare workers, and personnel and vehicles engaged in transporting medicines and medical equipment will be exempt from the holiday.

Offices involved in emergency duties will also remain outside the holiday schedule.

Bangladesh Bank will issue necessary instructions regarding banking operations, while the Supreme Court will issue necessary directives concerning court proceedings.

For private-sector industrial establishments, factories and other institutions, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue necessary instructions regarding the declaration of general holidays in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.