Bangladesh enters weeklong Eid break, mass exodus from Dhaka begins

A seven-day holiday began today (17 March) as Bangladesh gears up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, triggering a nationwide travel rush with millions leaving major cities, including Dhaka, to celebrate the festival with their families in their hometowns.

Government offices, courts, and many private establishments will remain closed during the extended break, triggering a nationwide travel rush as people leave major cities—especially Dhaka—to celebrate the festival with family members in their hometowns.

Accordingly, Monday (16 March) is the last working day before Eid.

Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated in the country on 20 or 21 March.

The government declared March 18 a holiday to ensure that people traveling home for Eid do not face disruption, making yesterday the final working day for government officials and employees and ensuring a continuous seven-day Eid break from 17 March to 23 March.

The decision, approved at a cabinet meeting amid growing public demand for uninterrupted leave, was followed by a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration on March 8.