2025 Calendar with Govt. Holidays in Bangladesh

Government Holidays in Bangladesh 2025: A Complete Guide

As we approach the year 2025, it’s essential for citizens, businesses, and government employees to stay informed about the official public holidays in Bangladesh. These holidays, designated by the government, provide time off for employees in the public sector, while also affecting various sectors across the country. Government holidays are not only a chance to relax and celebrate but also hold cultural, religious, and historical significance. In this article, we’ll explore the government holidays in Bangladesh for 2025, providing an overview of these important days.

What Are Government Holidays in Bangladesh?

Government holidays in Bangladesh are official days when government offices, institutions, and most public sector organizations remain closed. These holidays are declared by the government to commemorate national events, religious celebrations, and cultural observances. These days are designated in accordance with the nation’s official calendar and are essential for aligning public sector activities with social and cultural norms.

In Bangladesh, the government issues an official list of public holidays each year, and these days are observed throughout the country. While most of these holidays are based on fixed dates, others depend on the lunar calendar, particularly religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and others.

Key Government Holidays in Bangladesh for 2025

Below is a comprehensive list of the major government holidays in Bangladesh for the year 2025. These holidays are celebrated by government employees, educational institutions, and the general public, making them significant to the cultural and social fabric of the nation.

2025 Govt. Holiday Calendar

Download 2025 Bangladesh Public Holidays Calendar

1. New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is widely celebrated around the world, including Bangladesh. This holiday offers a fresh start to the year, and although it may not have deep-rooted cultural significance, it is still an official holiday observed by the government.

2. Eid-ul-Fitr – April 10, 2025 (Friday)

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays for Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Government offices, banks, and most public institutions will remain closed during this festival. In 2025, Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on April 10, and this is a public holiday celebrated by Muslims across Bangladesh with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.

3. May Day – May 1, 2025 (Thursday)

May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a government-recognized holiday in Bangladesh. It honors the contributions of workers and their role in the economy. On this day, various trade unions and workers’ organizations organize rallies and demonstrations, raising awareness about labor rights and working conditions. The government also observes this day with public speeches and events.

4. Buddha Purnima – May 6, 2025 (Tuesday)

Buddha Purnima is a significant holiday for the Buddhist community in Bangladesh, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Government offices will remain closed on this day, and Buddhist temples across the country will host special prayers and religious ceremonies. It is a public holiday that reflects the religious diversity of Bangladesh.

5. Eid-ul-Adha – July 31, 2025 (Thursday)

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday in Bangladesh. It celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. On Eid-ul-Adha, government employees enjoy time off to celebrate with their families. The holiday includes animal sacrifices, prayers, feasts, and charitable acts.

6. National Mourning Day – August 15, 2025 (Friday)

National Mourning Day is observed on August 15 each year to honor the life and legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. On this day, the nation remembers his martyrdom in 1975 and reflects on the sacrifices made for the country’s independence. The government observes this day with national memorial events, and most government offices remain closed to mark the occasion.

7. Durga Puja – October 1, 2025 (Wednesday)

Durga Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated by millions of Hindus in Bangladesh. The government recognizes this festival as a public holiday, and on October 1, 2025, government offices will be closed. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and is celebrated with large processions, cultural performances, and religious rituals across the country, especially in Hindu-majority regions.

8. Victory Day – December 16, 2025 (Tuesday)

Victory Day is one of the most significant public holidays in Bangladesh, commemorating the country’s victory over Pakistan in the Liberation War of 1971. The day is marked by national events such as military parades, ceremonies, and patriotic celebrations. This government holiday is observed throughout Bangladesh, and government offices, educational institutions, and businesses remain closed.

9. Christmas Day – December 25, 2025 (Thursday)

Christmas Day, celebrated by the Christian community, is an official public holiday in Bangladesh. Government offices and institutions will be closed, and Christians celebrate this day with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. While the Christian population is small in Bangladesh, the government recognizes Christmas as a public holiday to honor the country’s religious diversity.

Other Notable Government Holidays in Bangladesh for 2025

In addition to the major holidays listed above, there are several other significant holidays that may also be observed in 2025, depending on the lunar calendar and regional customs. Some of these holidays include:

• Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) – April 14, 2025 (Monday) Pohela Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated by people across the country. It’s a public holiday recognized by the government. The day is marked by traditional foods, colorful processions, and cultural programs.
• Shab-e-Barat – March 29, 2025 (Saturday) Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, is observed by Muslims with prayers and seeking forgiveness from Allah. While it is not a full public holiday, some government offices may close for the day.
• Ashura (Islamic New Year) – October 23, 2025 (Thursday) Ashura is a significant day for Shia Muslims, marked by mourning and remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. While not universally observed, it is a public holiday in certain regions and among Shia Muslim communities.

How Government Holidays Affect Daily Life in Bangladesh

Government holidays in Bangladesh have a wide-reaching impact on the economy, social activities, and daily routines of citizens. Here’s a brief look at how these holidays influence different sectors:

1. Public Sector:

Government offices, ministries, and public institutions are closed during public holidays, allowing employees to rest and celebrate the occasion. In most cases, administrative functions are either paused or rescheduled to accommodate the holiday.

2. Private Sector:

While many private sector companies follow the same holiday schedule as the government, others may remain open depending on business needs. Key sectors like retail, hospitality, and transportation experience increased demand during major public holidays, especially those related to religious or cultural celebrations.

3. Education:

Schools, universities, and educational institutions across the country follow the official public holiday calendar. Exam schedules are often adjusted around public holidays to avoid conflicts, ensuring that students have adequate time for study and rest.

4. Transportation:

Government holidays often lead to a surge in travel as people return to their hometowns or visit relatives. The transportation sector, including buses, trains, and airlines, experiences high demand, with increased ticket bookings during major holidays like Eid and Durga Puja.

5. Cultural and Social Activities:

Government holidays provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in cultural, social, and religious activities. Whether it’s attending prayers, joining parades, or spending time with family, public holidays play a key role in fostering community bonds and maintaining traditions.

Conclusion

Government holidays in Bangladesh are integral to the nation’s social, cultural, and economic framework. For the year 2025, the government has declared several important public holidays, ranging from national celebrations like Victory Day to religious observances such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja. These holidays allow citizens to take a break from their regular work routines, engage in festive activities, and celebrate the rich diversity that defines Bangladesh.

By staying informed about these holidays, individuals and businesses can better plan their activities for 2025 and align with the national schedule. Whether you’re a government employee, a student, or a business owner, understanding these key public holidays will ensure that you don’t miss out on the important occasions that shape the year.