The government has announced the cancellation of eight national observances, including August 15, the death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which is also marked as National Mourning Day.
This decision was announced on Wednesday via a post on the verified Facebook page of the chief advisor of the interim government.
“The Advisory Council recently took the decision to cancel the eight days in a meeting. The Cabinet Division will issue a circular canceling these days soon,” mentioned the Facebook post.
The canceled observances include:
- March 7, commemorating Bangabandhu's historic speech
- March 17, Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary and National Children’s Day
- August 5, the birth anniversary of Captain Sheikh Kamal
- August 8, the birth anniversary of Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib
- August 15, the death anniversary of Bangabandhu and National Mourning Day
- October 18, Sheikh Russell Day
- November 4, National Constitution Day
- December 12, Smart Bangladesh Day
Background of the days
March 7: The government issued a circular to observe March 7 in 2020, and it has been observed since 2021.
March 17, Bangabandhu's birthday and National Children's Day: Initially declared by the Awami League government in 1996, this day has been celebrated since 1997 and was later recognized as a general holiday. The BNP-led coalition government canceled it in 2002, but it was reinstated when the Awami League returned to power in 2009.
August 15, National Mourning Day: Initially observed when the Awami League came to power in 1996, the BNP-led coalition government canceled it in 2002. It was reinstated in 2008 following a High Court order.
August 5, Sheikh Kamal Birth Anniversary Day: Celebrated nationally since 2021, following a notification issued on September 5, 2020.
August 8, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Birth Anniversary Day: Declared a national day in 2020, and celebrated nationally since 2021.
October 18, Sheikh Russell Day: Celebrated as a national day since 2021, following a circular issued on September 26, 2021.
November 4, National Constitution Day: Recognized nationally since 2022, marking 50 years of independence.
December 12, Smart Bangladesh Day: Celebrated annually since 2023, replacing Digital Bangladesh Day.
