Bangladesh Government Declares Three-Day Holiday for Industrial Workers Ahead of 13th National Election

The Government of Bangladesh has officially declared a three-day holiday period from February 10 to February 12 for workers and employees in industrial zones in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and national referendum.

This decision, announced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aims to ensure that industrial workers have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process and exercise their voting rights.

Under the arrangement, February 10 (Tuesday) has been designated as a special general holiday for workers and staff at various factories and industrial establishments. Along with the already established nationwide public holidays on February 11 and February 12, this creates a continuous break for industrial workers through the election period.

An advisory council meeting recently made a related decision: factories choosing to observe the February 10 holiday may compensate for this time by arranging an alternative working day later if necessary, allowing employers some flexibility to balance production demands with the special holiday. This adjustment follows consultations with representatives of industry groups.

The government emphasized that the holiday schedule is part of broader preparations to facilitate smooth and inclusive voting in the national election and referendum, and to support workers’ ability to return home or travel to polling centers. The three-day holiday aligns with other national closures, including those in the banking sector.