Post-Eid rush as offices reopen

Workers return to Dhaka amid extended holiday mood, low attendance

FE REPORT | March 25, 2026 00:00:00

As the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays have ended, Dhaka residents are returning from their hometowns. A heavy rush of passengers was seen at Kamalapur Railway Station in the capital on Tuesday morning. — FE Photo

Government offices, banks and financial institutions reopened on Tuesday after the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, as employees gradually returned to the capital despite expectations of a subdued workweek.

Alongside government offices, lower courts and the stock market also resumed operations on the same day.

Office hours returned to the regular schedule of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm after being shortened during Ramadan. During the holy month, office hours were from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims, was celebrated on March 21. A seven-day government holiday leading up to the festival ended on Monday, March 23.

Officials and employees at the Bangladesh Secretariat were seen greeting colleagues and exchanging Eid wishes. Ministers and state ministers also exchanged greetings with officials and employees of their respective ministries at the Secretariat.

Many people returned to the capital from their hometowns to resume work. Kamalapur Railway Station, as well as bus terminals at Mohakhali, Sayedabad and Gabtoli, and the Sadarghat Launch Terminal, witnessed an influx of returning passengers.

"I returned to the capital to join my duty," Md Rashid, a government employee who arrived at Kamalapur Railway Station from Narsingdi on Tuesday morning, told the FE.

"As offices reopened, I came back to attend work," said Md Mizanur Rahman, a banker who returned to the capital from Cumilla, speaking to the FE at Sayedabad Bus Terminal on Tuesday morning.

Additionally, some city dwellers were seen leaving the capital after celebrating Eid.

Following the Eid holidays, there will be a public holiday on Thursday for Independence and National Day, followed by the weekend.

Despite offices reopening on Tuesday and Wednesday, many government employees are expected to take optional leave, extending their break until Sunday.

Low attendance is anticipated this week, with normal operations expected to fully resume next week.

Meanwhile, shopping malls and markets in the capital remained closed on Tuesday. However, kitchen markets stayed open, though customer turnout was low.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com