The Government of Bangladesh has released the official list of public holidays for 2025. This announcement was made following the approval of the interim government's Advisory Council. The council, led by the Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, met on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Chief Advisor's office in Tejgaon. After the meeting, the Press Wing of the Chief Advisor confirmed the holiday schedule for the upcoming year.
Govt Holiday 2025 Bangladesh
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Type of Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shab e-Barat | February 14, 2025 | Friday | General Holiday |
| International Mother Language Day | February 21, 2025 | Friday | General Holiday |
| Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh) | April 14, 2025 | Monday | Executive Order Holiday |
| Independence Day | March 26, 2025 | Wednesday | General Holiday |
| Laylat al-Qadr | March 27, 2025 | Thursday | Executive Order Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 5 Days | - | Executive Order Holiday |
| May Day | May 1, 2025 | Thursday | General Holiday |
| Buddha Purnima | May 14, 2025 | Wednesday | General Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 6 Days | - | Executive Order Holiday |
| Ashura (10th of Muharram) | August 25, 2025 | Monday | General Holiday |
| Janmashtami | September 16, 2025 | Tuesday | General Holiday |
| Durga Puja (Bijaya Dashami) | October 1 - October 2, 2025 | Wednesday - Thursday | Executive Order Holiday |
| Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) | October 12, 2025 | Sunday | General Holiday |
| Victory Day | December 16, 2025 | Tuesday | General Holiday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | Thursday | General Holiday |
Optional Holidays:
- Up to 3 Days for Religious Festivals (for government employees)
- 2 Days for Indigenous Festivals (Boisabi or similar) (for indigenous employees in Chittagong Hill Tracts)
Public holidays in Bangladesh are observed for various national and religious events, ensuring that different communities and groups can celebrate their significant days. In 2025, the list includes both general holidays and executive order holidays. Here's a breakdown of the approved holidays:
1. General Public Holidays (12 Days)
The general holidays, known as "Shadharan Chhuti," include 12 days in total. These are observed for national days and important religious festivals across different communities. The 12 holidays consist of:
- 5 Weekend Holidays: This includes 3 Fridays and 2 Saturdays.
- The remaining 7 days are designated for national and religious celebrations, ensuring a broad observance across the country.
2. Executive Order Holidays (14 Days)
Apart from the general holidays, an additional 14 days of public holidays have been granted through executive orders. These days are allocated for events such as the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh) and other important religious festivals. Of the 14 holidays:
- 4 Weekend Holidays: This includes 2 Fridays and 2 Saturdays.
- The remaining days focus on religious and cultural festivities for different communities, ensuring inclusivity for all.
3. Optional Religious Holidays (3 Days)
For government employees, there is a provision of 3 days of optional holidays per year, which can be used to observe religious festivals of their choice. These are meant to give flexibility, allowing employees to celebrate their religious days in accordance with their traditions.
4. Special Optional Holidays for Indigenous Communities (2 Days)
Indigenous communities working both within and outside the Chittagong Hill Tracts are granted 2 days of optional holidays to celebrate their main cultural festivals, such as Boisabi or similar traditional events. One of these two days overlaps with a weekend, specifically a Saturday.
Total Public Holidays for 2025
The approved list of holidays includes 12 days of general holidays and 14 days of holidays granted by executive orders, summing up to 26 days of public holidays. This total does not include weekends, as 9 days fall on either a Friday or a Saturday (5 Fridays and 4 Saturdays).
To compare, in 2024, the total number of public holidays was 22 days, excluding weekends.
Key Public Holidays for 2025 at a Glance
Here’s a list of some of the most anticipated holidays in 2025:
-
International Mother Language Day (February 21, 2025)
- A national day to honor the sacrifices made for the Bengali language.
-
Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh - April 14, 2025)
- A cultural festival marking the start of the Bengali calendar year.
-
Eid-ul-Fitr (Likely April 30 - May 2, 2025)
- The largest religious festival for Muslims, celebrating the end of Ramadan.
-
Eid-ul-Adha (Likely July 8 - July 10, 2025)
- Another major Islamic festival, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
-
Durga Puja (Likely October 1 - October 2, 2025)
- The most important festival for the Hindu community, celebrating the goddess Durga.
-
Victory Day (December 16, 2025)
- A national holiday celebrating the independence of Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Govt Holiday 2025 Bangladesh
1. How many public holidays are there in Bangladesh in 2025?
In 2025, there are 12 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive orders, making a total of 26 public holidays. These do not include weekends like Fridays and Saturdays, which are also days off for many.
2. What is an executive order holiday?
An executive order holiday is a public holiday granted by the government through an official decree, often related to cultural or religious events, such as Pahela Baishakh or religious festivals like Eid and Durga Puja.
3. How many optional holidays are allowed for government employees?
Government employees are allowed up to 3 days of optional holidays per year, which they can use to observe their religious festivals or cultural events.
4. What are the optional holidays for indigenous communities?
Indigenous communities, especially those working in and around the Chittagong Hill Tracts, are given 2 optional holidays to celebrate their main social festivals, such as Boisabi or similar events.
5. Is there any change in the number of public holidays compared to 2024?
Yes, the number of public holidays has increased from 22 days in 2024 to 26 days in 2025. The increase is mainly due to additional holidays granted for religious and cultural events.
6. How are public holidays determined in Bangladesh?
Public holidays in Bangladesh are determined based on a combination of national days, religious festivals, and cultural events. The government approves and announces these holidays in advance, usually with the advice of the Advisory Council.
The list of public holidays for 2025 in Bangladesh reflects a balanced approach, catering to the cultural and religious diversity of the country. With a total of 26 public holidays (including executive order holidays), people from different communities and backgrounds will have ample opportunity to celebrate their significant days. From Bengali New Year to Eid and Durga Puja, the holidays ensure that all major religious and national events are recognized and celebrated.
This comprehensive schedule will not only allow citizens to prepare for the year ahead but also provides flexibility with optional holidays for government employees and indigenous communities.
