2026 Bangladesh Government Holidays Calendar

Bangladesh Government Holiday Calendar 2026 Announced: Complete List of Public Holidays & Vacation Plan

Official Gazette Release: Discover the full list of General Holidays, Executive Orders, and Optional Leaves for 2026. Includes the new ‘July Mass Uprising Day’, extended Eid breaks, and a smart vacation planning guide for employees and students.

DHAKA — The Government of Bangladesh has officially unveiled the highly anticipated public holiday calendar for the year 2026. In a move that balances national productivity with the well-being of its citizens, the Ministry of Public Administration has outlined a schedule that includes traditional religious festivals, historic national days, and notable new additions reflecting the country’s evolving political landscape.

For citizens planning their year ahead—whether it’s booking flights for Eid, arranging family reunions during Durga Puja, or simply looking for that long weekend escape—this calendar is the ultimate roadmap. The 2026 schedule is particularly generous, offering several strategic opportunities for long vacations by utilizing “bridge days” around official holidays.

Notable highlights for 2026 include the continuation of extended holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, the consolidation of the two-day Durga Puja break, and the formal inclusion of August 5th as “July Mass Uprising Day”, marking a significant new chapter in Bangladesh’s national history.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every single holiday, offers a month-by-month analysis, and provides a “Smart Leave Strategy” to help you maximize your time off in 2026.

At a Glance: Key Highlights of the 2026 Calendar

Before diving into the detailed list, here are the major takeaways from the Ministry’s circular regarding the 2026 public holidays:

1. Total Holidays: The list combines General Holidays (Sadharan Chuti) and holidays by Executive Order.
2. New National Holiday: August 5 is marked as “July Mass Uprising Day,” commemorating the historic student-people uprising of 2024.
3. Extended Eid Breaks: The government continues its policy of longer Eid breaks to facilitate safe travel, with a 5-day block for Eid-ul-Fitr and a 6-day block for Eid-ul-Azha.
4. Durga Puja Status: The Hindu community will enjoy a two-day holiday (Navami and Vijaya Dashami), solidifying the government’s commitment to minority rights and religious inclusivity.
5. Weekend Overlaps: Several key holidays, including International Mother Language Day and Janmashtami, fall on Fridays or Saturdays, potentially impacting the total number of “extra” days off for standard office goers.

Official Bangladesh Government Holiday List 2026

Below is the complete, approved schedule of holidays for 2026. Please note that holidays marked with an asterisk (*) depend on moon sightings and may shift by one day.

(Note: Islamic holidays are subject to the appearance of the moon. The government will issue specific circulars confirming these dates closer to the events.)

2026 Bangladesh Government Holiday Calendar

Download 2026 Bangladesh Government Holiday Calendar free with public holiday list.

Month-by-Month Breakdown & Significance

To help you understand the flow of the year, we have analyzed the 2026 calendar month by month. This section explores the cultural significance of these dates and how they impact public life.

February: Language and Spirituality

The year’s holiday season kicks off in February.

• Shab-e-Barat (Feb 4, Wed): Known as the night of forgiveness, this is a major observance for the Muslim community. With the holiday falling on a Wednesday, it provides a mid-week break for reflection and prayer.
• International Mother Language Day (Feb 21, Sat): A day of immense global and national pride. While it falls on a Saturday (a weekly holiday for many), official tributes at the Shaheed Minar will continue with full state honors. This day commemorates the language martyrs of 1952.

March: The Month of Independence and Eid

March 2026 is packed with holidays, making it one of the most festive months of the year.

• Shab-e-Qadr (Mar 17, Tue): The holiest night of Ramadan.
• Eid-ul-Fitr (Mar 19–23): The biggest Muslim festival. The government has allocated a 5-day block from Thursday to Monday. This long break is designed to reduce the “Eid rush” chaos on highways and trains.
• Independence Day (Mar 26, Thu): Celebrating Bangladesh’s declaration of independence. Since this falls on a Thursday, many employees may take Sunday off (if they didn’t already during Eid) to extend their relaxation.

April: Cultural Heritage

• Pohela Boishakh (Apr 14, Tue): The Bengali New Year is the heartbeat of secular Bengali culture. Celebrated with the Mangal Shobhajatra and cultural programs, a Tuesday holiday implies that offices will reopen Wednesday, but the festive mood often lingers all week.
• Chaitra Sankranti (Apr 13): Specifically for the Hill Districts, recognizing the unique cultural traditions of the indigenous communities.

May: The Mega Holiday of Eid-ul-Azha

• May Day & Buddha Purnima (May 1, Fri): A rare overlap where International Workers’ Day coincides with the sacred Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima. While it falls on a Friday, the dual significance will be observed across the country.
• Eid-ul-Azha (May 26 – 31): The “Festival of Sacrifice” sees a massive 6-day holiday starting Tuesday and ending Sunday. This is the longest continuous break in the 2026 calendar, offering ample time for cattle markets, travel to villages, and family gatherings.

June to July: Reflection

• Ashura (Jun 26, Fri): Marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), this day falls on a Friday. Processions (Tazia) will take place in Old Dhaka and other parts of the country.

August: History in the Making

• July Mass Uprising Day (Aug 5, Wed): This is the newest addition to the national calendar. It commemorates the historic events of August 5, 2024, honoring the student-led movement that reshaped the nation’s trajectory. It serves as a day of national reflection on democracy and sacrifice.
• Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Aug 26, Wed): The birth and demise anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

September & October: Hindu Festivals

• Janmashtami (Sep 4, Fri): The birth celebration of Lord Krishna falls on a Friday, creating a natural long weekend for government employees.
• Durga Puja (Oct 20–21, Tue-Wed): The government has maintained the two-day holiday structure for the biggest Hindu festival. The inclusion of Navami along with Dashami allows for a more relaxed celebration of the goddess Durga’s victory over evil.

December: Victory and Joy

• Victory Day (Dec 16, Wed): The day the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered in 1971. The mid-week holiday is filled with parades and patriotic events.
• Christmas Day (Dec 25, Fri): The year concludes with Christmas. Falling on a Friday, it ensures a festive long weekend for the Christian community and the general public alike.

Smart Vacation Planning: How to Hack the 2026 Calendar

For the savvy traveler or the exhausted corporate professional, the 2026 calendar offers hidden gems. By strategically taking just one or two days of “Casual Leave” (CL), you can unlock massive vacations.

1. The March “Super-Week”

• The Scenario: Eid-ul-Fitr ends on March 23 (Monday). Independence Day is March 26 (Thursday).
• The Hack: If you take leave on March 24 (Tue) and March 25 (Wed), you bridge the gap between Eid and Independence Day.
• The Result: A potential 10-day vacation from March 19 to March 28. Perfect for an international trip or a long visit to a remote tourist spot like Saint Martin’s or Cox’s Bazar.

2. The Pohela Boishakh Bridge

• The Scenario: April 14 is a Tuesday.
• The Hack: Take leave on April 13 (Monday).
• The Result: A 4-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday-Leave, Tuesday-Holiday).

3. The Durga Puja Extension

• The Scenario: Puja holidays are Tuesday (Oct 20) and Wednesday (Oct 21).
• The Hack: Take leave on Thursday (Oct 22).
• The Result: Connect with the following weekend (Fri-Sat) for a 5-day break.

Optional Holidays: Know Your Rights

Beyond the general holidays, the Bangladesh government allows employees to take Optional Holidays (Oichhik Chuti).

• Rule: Employees are entitled to a total of three (3) days of optional holidays per year.
• Process: These must be chosen from the designated list based on one’s religion (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian) or ethnic group, and require prior approval from the controlling authority.
• Why it matters: This flexibility ensures that minority sects and smaller ethnic groups can celebrate their specific festivals (like Prabarana Purnima for Buddhists or Easter Sunday for Christians) without losing pay.

Impact on Economy and Education

1. The Educational Sector

Schools and universities will align their academic calendars with this list. The extended Eid breaks in March and May mean that Term 1 and Term 2 exams will likely be scheduled to avoid these windows. Parents should anticipate school closures during the 5-6 day Eid blocks and plan childcare accordingly.

2. The Banking & Financial Sector

While online banking operates 24/7, physical bank branches will remain closed on these dates. The Bangladesh Bank will issue a separate circular regarding bank operations, particularly for dates like December 31 (Bank Holiday), which is usually for internal auditing and not a public holiday. Businesses should plan their LC settlements and payrolls around the long Eid closures to avoid operational bottlenecks.

3. Tourism Boom Expected

Travel agencies are predicting a massive surge in domestic tourism for 2026. The March and May holidays offer perfect weather for visiting the Sylhet tea gardens or the Kuakata sea beach. Resorts are expected to be fully booked months in advance due to the predictable nature of these long blocks.

The “July Mass Uprising Day”: A New National Sentiment

The most distinct feature of the 2026 calendar is the August 5 holiday. By institutionalizing this date, the government acknowledges the profound impact of the 2024 movement.

For government offices and schools, this day will likely involve seminars, prayers, and discussions on democratic values. It is not just a day off; it is a day of remembrance. This addition aligns Bangladesh with other nations that designate specific days to honor pivotal moments in their democratic evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 2026 Holidays

Q: How many total government holidays are there in 2026?

A: There are roughly 26 days of holidays spread across General Holidays and Executive Orders, though weekend overlaps reduce the actual number of “days off” slightly.

Q: Will banks be closed on all these dates?

A: Yes, generally all scheduled public holidays apply to banks. However, limited banking services are often available in special zones (like ports or garment belts) before Eid.

Q: Is the August 5 holiday permanent?

A: Yes, it has been gazetted as a National Holiday under the name “July Mass Uprising Day.”

Q: Can the dates for Eid change?

A: Yes. The dates listed (March 19-23 for Fitr and May 26-31 for Azha) are based on astronomical predictions. The National Moon Sighting Committee will announce the final dates, which can shift the holiday by 24 hours.

Q: Where can I download the official circular?

A: The official gazette is available on the Ministry of Public Administration’s website (mopa.gov.bd) and the Bangladesh Forms and Publications Office website.

Conclusion

The Bangladesh Government Holiday Calendar 2026 is more than just a list of dates; it is a reflection of the nation’s cultural richness, religious devotion, and historical consciousness. With the inclusion of the July Mass Uprising Day, the calendar honors the past while the extended festival breaks look forward to a future of work-life balance.

As we approach 2026, we recommend saving this calendar, marking your digital planners, and applying for those strategic leave days early. Whether you are a student, a government employee, or a private sector worker, a little planning now can ensure a year filled with well-deserved rest and meaningful celebration.

[Download PDF Version Here – Coming Soon]

Stay tuned to our portal for the high-resolution image and PDF download of the 2026 Calendar once the official signed gazette is uploaded.