Dhaka: The Council of Advisers has approved a proposal to declare February 11 as an extra public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day, February 12. This decision aims to facilitate voter participation and ensure effective law and order management during the election period.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the approval was granted during the Council’s weekly meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The meeting’s outcomes were shared by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, with Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also present.

The Council’s decision followed a high-level review of election preparations and security issues. Alam announced that an additional holiday on February 10 was approved exclusively for workers in industrial zones, giving them a break on February 10 and 11. This arrangement, combined with the public holiday on February 12, provides a three-day break.

Alam elaborated that the February 10 holiday is intended solely for industrial zone workers. The decision aims to allow voters residing in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to travel to their hometowns to vote, as February 11 precedes the election day. Additionally, this is anticipated to aid authorities in managing law and order more effectively during the elections. An official notification regarding these decisions will be issued soon.