Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Bangladesh Extends Durga Puja Holiday, Raises Festival Grants
Bangladesh has added one more day to the Durga Puja holiday.
Government employees will now have five days off, from October 20 to October 24.
Offices and courts will stay closed on October 22.
October 23 and 24 are already regular weekly holidays.
The government also gave more money to help organize Durga Puja celebrations.
Funding for the Buddhist Kathin Chibar Dan ceremony was increased as well.
Some essential workers, such as doctors, police and firefighters, will still work.
The extra holiday is intended to give families more time to celebrate and travel.
Bangladesh extended the Durga Puja holiday to five days, from October 20 through October 24.
Government offices and courts will remain closed on October 22 and reopen after the weekend.
The government increased Durga Puja funding to Tk 50 million from the requested Tk 40 million.
Funding for the Buddhist community’s Kathin Chibar Dan ceremony rose to Tk 30 million from Tk 20 million.
Essential workers, including hospital, police, fire, utility and some media staff, will continue working.
- Who
- The Bangladesh government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Hindu and Buddhist religious communities, and government employees.
- What
- The government extended the Durga Puja holiday to five days and increased grants for Durga Puja and Kathin Chibar Dan.
- When
- The holiday will run from October 20 through October 24; offices were originally scheduled to reopen on October 22.
- Where
- Bangladesh.
- Why
- The extended break is intended to provide more time for religious celebrations, family activities and travel, while the larger grants will support the communities’ festivals.
- Holiday period
- October 20-24
- Holiday length
- Five days
- Durga Puja grant
- Tk 50 million, compared with Tk 40 million requested
- Kathin Chibar Dan grant
- Tk 30 million, compared with Tk 20 million requested
- Office reopening
- Government offices and courts will remain closed on October 22
- Essential services
- Hospitals, police, fire services, electricity, gas and water supply will continue operating
- Banking
- Banks and financial institutions are generally closed during government holidays, while digital banking services are generally expected to remain available