Dhaka, June 15 (V7N)– All government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions, including banks and financial bodies, across Bangladesh reopened today, Sunday, June 15, after an extended 10-day closure for the Eid-ul-Azha vacation.

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival for Muslims, was celebrated on June 7. The last working day for most government employees before the vacation was June 4. The government initially announced the holiday from June 5 to June 12, which was then extended to merge with the weekends of June 13 and 14, granting a 10-day break. This extended vacation included an executive order from the advisory council on May 6, specifically closing offices on June 11 and 12. To compensate for the extended holiday, government offices had remained open on two Saturdays, May 17 and 24, prior to Eid.

Upon visiting various ministries this morning, employees and officials were observed exchanging Eid greetings as they returned to the secretariat.

Despite the reopening of offices, Dhaka city remains quieter than usual, as many holidaymakers have yet to return. However, transport terminals and major highways have begun experiencing the pressure of the return rush. Over the weekend, bus terminals, launch ghats, and railway stations saw a significant surge in passengers, with heavy inbound movement reported from across the country.

At various bus terminals, including Jatrabari, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sayedabad, and at Kamlapur railway station, buses from numerous transport companies such as Lal-Sabuj, Sohagh, Ena, Econo, Shamoli, Star Line, and Green Line were seen entering the city, carrying passengers from different parts of the country. Holidaymakers were also observed returning to the capital by private cars, and local buses were plying city streets with passengers concluding their Eid vacations.

While the pressure of returning passengers and private vehicles was notably high on city roads, no significant traffic congestion or travel disruptions have been reported so far. Safiul Azam, a traffic constable in the city's Banasree area, noted, "The city roads were heavy rush with office going and personal vehicles from this morning... Even the number of mass transport passengers also were seen comparatively more on city roads than the last couple of days."

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