Dhaka: The government today issued a gazette notification declaring a general holiday tomorrow by an executive order over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The Public Administration Ministry issued the notification this afternoon, stating that all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed during the holiday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the notification specified that emergency services, such as electricity, water, gas, and other fuels, along with fire service, port activities, cleaning activities, telephone, and internet services, postal services, and vehicles and workers engaged in these related services, will remain operational and not fall under the holiday’s purview. Additionally, hospitals and offices engaged in emergency services, along with their employees, will continue their operations without interruption.
The notification further clarified that doctors and staff involved in medical services, as well as vehicles and personnel transporting medical equipment including medicines, are excluded from the holiday’s scope. The directive ensures that critical healthcare functions remain unaffected during this period.
Bangladesh Bank has been tasked with issuing necessary instructions to ensure the continuation of banking activities, while the Supreme Court will provide guidance on the proceedings of the court during the holiday.
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, an influential figure known for her unwavering stance on democracy in Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 80 earlier today while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the city. In addition to the one-day general holiday, the government has declared a three-day state mourning starting from tomorrow.