Overview of Holiday Structure
The Bangladesh Government observes Friday and Saturday as weekly holidays, although some schools remain open on Saturdays. The holiday calendar begins with the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) and includes major religious festivals, national observances, and cultural celebrations. The government officially publishes a holiday gazette annually, incorporating dates from three calendar systems: Bengali, Hijri (Islamic), and Gregorian.
Key Features:
- Total Holidays: Approximately 20-25 national and public holidays annually
- Weekly Holidays: Friday and Saturday (official)
- Calendar Systems: Gregorian, Islamic (Hijri), and Bengali calendars combined
- Holiday Types: National, public, optional, and religious holidays
- Official Publication: Government gazette published at year beginning
Bangladesh Govt Holidays 2026 - Complete List
Major holidays include Eid festivals, Durga Puja, Independence Day, and Victory Day. These dates are officially published in the government gazette each year.
State & National Public Holidays
| Date |
Holiday Name |
Category |
| 10 January |
Bangabandhu Returning Day |
National Holiday |
| 21 February |
Shahid Dibash (International Mother Language Day) |
National Holiday |
| 17 March |
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birthday |
National Holiday |
| 26 March |
Independence Day |
National Holiday |
| 14 April |
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) |
National Holiday |
| 1 May |
May Day (International Workers' Day) |
Public Holiday |
| 1 July |
Bank Holiday |
Sector-Specific |
| 15 August |
National Mourning Day (Assassination of Bangabandhu) |
National Holiday |
| 2 September |
Janmashtami (Optional) |
Optional Holiday |
| 16 December |
Victory Day (Pakistani Army Surrender) |
National Holiday |
| 25 December |
Christmas Day |
Public Holiday |
Muslim Religious Holidays (2026)
| Date |
Holiday Name |
Duration |
| 8 March (Wed) |
Shab-e-Barat |
1 Day |
| 19 April (Wed) |
Laylat al-Qadr |
1 Day |
| 21 April (Fri) |
Jumatul Bidah |
1 Day |
| 21-23 April |
Eid-ul-Fitr |
3 Days (Public Holiday) |
| 28-30 June |
Eid-ul-Adha |
3 Days (Public Holiday) |
| 29 July (Sat) |
Ashura |
1 Day |
| 28 September (Thu) |
Eid-e-Milad un-Nabi |
1 Day |
Hindu Religious Holidays (2026)
| Date |
Holiday Name |
Type |
| 6 September (Wed) |
Shuba Janmashtami |
Optional Holiday |
| 24 October (Tue) |
Vijaya Dashami (Durga Puja) |
Public Holiday |
Christian Religious Holidays (2026)
| Date |
Holiday Name |
Type |
| 1 January |
New Year's Day |
Optional Holiday |
| 14 February |
Valentine's Day (Optional) |
Optional |
| 29-31 March |
Easter Weekend |
Optional Holidays |
| 25 December |
Christmas Day |
Public Holiday |
Buddhist Religious Holidays (2026)
| Date |
Holiday Name |
Type |
| 4 May (Thu) |
Buddha Purnima |
Optional Holiday |
School Holidays in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi schools follow distinct holiday patterns:
- Ramadan Vacation: Varies according to Islamic calendar
- Puja Vacation: Usually 10-15 days around Durga Puja
- Summer Vacation: Typically April-May (varies by institution)
- Winter Break: After final exams in December until mid-January
- Eid Holidays: Additional breaks during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha
These extended breaks often see families traveling for vacations, with tour operators offering special holiday packages.
Important Notes & Considerations
Holiday Categories Explained:
- National Holidays: Compulsory for all government and most private institutions
- Public Holidays: Observed by most organizations
- Optional Holidays: Religious holidays specific to communities
- Restricted Holidays: Sector-specific (e.g., Bank Holiday)
Calendar Variations:
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by 1-2 days
- Bengali calendar dates follow the revised Bangla calendar adopted in 1987
- Some traditional communities may observe additional local holidays
Travel & Tourism:
- Peak travel seasons coincide with major holidays (Eid, Puja, Pohela Boishakh)
- Advance booking recommended for transportation and accommodation
- Tour operators offer special packages during holiday periods
- Some tourist spots may be crowded during extended holidays
Related Resources & Official Links