‘Economy to remain operative despite long Eid vacation’

Special Correspondent :

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed assured the public on Wednesday that economic activities will continue throughout the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays, dismissing concerns over a potential nationwide slowdown during the extended break.

Speaking to journalists following a meeting of the Advisory Committees on Government Purchases and Economic Affairs at the Secretariat, Dr. Salehuddin said, “There’s no scope for stagnation.

Businesses will operate in their own ways. Bangladesh Bank has already clarified which days and in which areas banks will remain open, even how things will function at the sacrificial cattle markets.”

Eid-ul-Azha will be observed nationwide on June 7. Initially, June 5 and 6 and then June 8 to 10 were declared public holidays for Eid. Later, June 11 and 12 were added by executive order, followed by the regular weekend on June 13-14 – giving government employees a 10-day break from June 5 to 14.

Referring to the extended vacation, Dr. Salehuddin remarked that long holidays are not unique to Bangladesh. “For example, the Christmas holidays span 20 to 25 days. In Nepal, there’s a 30-day holiday for Durga Puja. So, the country will function,” he said, emphasizing that essential services and financial operations will continue as planned.

The adviser also addressed progress on the national budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. He noted that while the budget has already been placed, feedback from stakeholders and the public will be welcomed after Eid.

“Opinions on the budget can be submitted until June 19. The cabinet meeting for budget approval will be held on June 22,” he confirmed. Despite the long public holiday, Dr. Salehuddin reiterated that the government remains focused on uninterrupted economic operations and timely budget implementation.