The government is considering extending the Durga Puja holiday period by one additional day, potentially providing a five-day consecutive break for public employees. Currently, October 20 is observed as a holiday by executive order for Maha Navami, and October 21 is a general holiday for Bijoya Dashami. The proposal includes declaring October 22 as an extra holiday, which, combined with the weekend of October 23 and 24, would create an uninterrupted five-day holiday from October 20 through 24.

If approved, the extended holiday will require formal government endorsement and publication through an official gazette notification. The decision aims to accommodate cultural observances and provide government staff with a longer break during this significant festival period.

In addition to the holiday extension, the government is also considering increasing the budgetary allocation for Kathin Chibor Dan, an important annual event for the Buddhist community. The Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust had requested Tk 2 crore to support the festival, but the government may raise the allocation to Tk 3 crore. This increase is intended to bolster the community’s religious celebrations and demonstrate continued government support for diverse cultural traditions.

Both proposals remain subject to final approval through the government’s established procedures before any formal announcements are made.