Bangladesh Public Holidays 2024 List and Calendar
Bangladesh, a land brimming with vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and rich history, celebrates a myriad of holidays that reflect its religious, social, and national fabric. Nestled in South Asia, this country cherishes a colorful tapestry of festivities, blending ancient customs with modern observances.
The holidays in Bangladesh are an embodiment of its multicultural ethos. Major religious celebrations, such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, hold significant importance for the predominantly Muslim population, marking moments of spiritual reflection, unity, and feasting. These joyous occasions bring communities together in prayer, charitable acts, and the sharing of traditional delicacies.
Moreover, Bangladesh’s cultural calendar encompasses various festivals like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja, and Christmas, showcasing the mosaic of faiths and traditions embraced by its people. Pohela Boishakh, in particular, heralds the Bengali New Year with elaborate parades, colorful processions, and a jubilant display of arts, music, and culinary delights.
Additionally, national holidays commemorate pivotal historical events like Independence Day on March 26th and Victory Day on December 16th, honoring the nation’s hard-fought independence from colonial rule and celebrating the triumph of the Bangladeshi people.
Throughout the year, these holidays and festivals in Bangladesh offer an enchanting glimpse into its cultural heritage, fostering unity, camaraderie, and a sense of pride among its populace. The spirit of celebration permeates every corner of the country, resonating with a blend of ancient customs and contemporary fervor, making Bangladesh a vibrant tapestry of festive traditions.
2024 Bangladesh Government Holiday List
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| 7 Jan | Sunday | National Election Day 2024 |
| 21 Feb | Wednesday | International Mother Language Day (Shaheed Day) |
| 26 Feb | Monday | *Shab e-Barat |
| 17 Mar | Sunday | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday |
| 26 Mar | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| 5 Apr | Friday | *Jumatul-Bidah (Jumu’atul-Wida) |
| 7 Apr | Sunday | *Laylat-al-Qadr |
| 10 Apr-12 Apr | Wednesday-Friday | *Eid ul-Fitr Holidays |
| 14 Apr | Sunday | Pohela Baishakh (Bengali New Year) |
| 1 May | Wednesday | May Day |
| 23 May | Thursday | *Buddha Purnima |
| 16 Jun- 18 Jun | Sunday- Tuesday | *Eid ul-Adha Holidays |
| 17 Jul | Wednesday | * Ashura |
| 15 Aug | Thursday | National Mourning Day |
| 26 Aug | Monday | Janmashtami |
| 16 Sep | Monday | *Eid e-Milad-un-Nabi |
| 13 Oct | Sunday | Durga Puja (Vijaya Dashami) |
| 16 Dec | Monday | Victory Day of Bangladesh |
| 25 Dec | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
Bangladesh Public Holiday Calendar 2024
Download BD 2024 Calendar in PDF
Rich in cultural heritage and historical diversity, Bangladesh celebrates numerous holidays. Here’s a list of some general Bangladesh is a country with a deep cultural background and a varied history, known for observing numerous holidays. Below is a simplified list of several key holidays celebrated in Bangladesh, along with a brief description of each:
- International Mother Language Day (21st February): This day commemorates the Language Movement Day of 1952, when students protested for official status for their mother language, Bangla. It’s a day of national pride and remembrance.
- Independence Day (26th March): Celebrating the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. This day is marked by parades, political speeches, fairs, concerts, and ceremonies.
- Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) (14th April): This is the first day of the Bengali calendar. Celebrations include parades, fairs, and cultural events, reflecting the vibrant Bengali culture.
- May Day (1st May): Also known as International Workers’ Day, this day celebrates the achievements of workers and the efforts of the labor movement.
- Buddha Purnima: This marks the birth of Gautama Buddha. It’s a public holiday and is especially significant in regions with a large Buddhist population.
- Jamatul Bidah (Jumu’atul-Wida): Jamatul Bidah, observed in Bangladesh, marks one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar, signifying the last Friday of Ramadan. It is a day of profound prayer and reflection, where Muslims across the nation gather in mosques, seeking forgiveness and blessings in the closing moments of this holy month.
- Eid ul-Fitr: Ending the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, this significant Muslim holiday is celebrated with special prayers, festive meals, and charitable giving.
- Eid ul-Adha: In the Islamic tradition, this festival honors Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son as a demonstration of his faithfulness to Allah. It involves the sacrifice of a sheep or goat and distribution of the meat among family, friends, and the poor.
- Durga Puja: A major Hindu festival celebrated over ten days, dedicated to the Durga. It’s marked by vibrant displays, performances, and processions.
- Ashura: An important day in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala.
- Victory Day (16th December): Commemorates the victory of the allied forces over Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
- Christmas Day (25th December): Celebrated by the Christian community in Bangladesh.
These holidays represent the diverse religious and cultural fabric of Bangladesh. Many of these holidays are also characterized by public closures and a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Month Wise Holidays (Non-religious)
In Bangladesh, public holidays each year are distributed across various months and include both national and religious holidays. Here is a month-wise general overview of these holidays:
1. January: Generally, no specific national holidays, but some years may include Islamic holidays based on the lunar calendar.
2. February: Language Martyrs’ Day (21st February), a national holiday commemorating the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.
3. March: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday and Children’s Day (17th March), Independence Day (26th March).
4. April: Bengali New Year’s Day (14th April).
5. May: International Workers’ Solidarity Day (1st May).
6. June to July: Typically, no specific national holidays, but Islamic holidays like Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha may fall in these months depending on the lunar calendar.
7. August: National Day of Mourning (15th August), commemorating the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
8. September to November: No specific national holidays, but Islamic holidays may occur based on the lunar calendar.
9. December: Victory Day (16th December), celebrating the surrender of Pakistan and the end of the Liberation War.
The Islamic holidays, which are based on the lunar Hijri calendar, include Ashura, Eid-e-Miladun-Nabi, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Adha. These dates vary each year. Hindu holidays like Krishna Janmashtami and Durga Puja, Christian holidays such as Christmas Day, and Buddhist celebrations like Buddha’s Birthday are also observed.
Source: Bangladesh Holiday Calendar 2024
