Bangladesh declares extra public holiday on Feb 11 to boost voter turnout

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved an additional public holiday on February 11 to help voters travel and to support effective law and order management ahead of national voting scheduled for February 12.

The decision was taken at the council’s weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters on the outcomes of the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present.

Alam said the council approved the proposal following a high-level meeting on Wednesday that reviewed election preparations and security arrangements.

In addition, the council approved a special holiday on February 10 for workers in industrial zones only. As a result, industrial zone workers will receive holidays on February 10 and 11, followed by the regular public holiday on election day, February 12, creating a three-day break.

The move aims to allow voters living in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to return to their hometowns to cast their ballots, as February 11 falls one day before the election.

The additional holidays are also expected to help authorities manage security and maintain public order during the election period.

An official notification detailing the decisions will be issued soon, Alam said.