United News of Bangladesh

A four-day holiday began on Wednesday as Bangladesh prepares for the 13th Parliamentary Election and the referendum scheduled for Feb 12. The two-day government-declared general holiday on Feb 11 and 12combined with the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday (Feb 13 and 14), has created a four-day consecutive break across the country. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices along with educational institutions will remain closed on Feb 11 and 12 to ensure voters can exercise their franchise without hindrance and to facilitate polling. Bangladesh Bank has also announced closure of all banks and financial institutions on Feb 11 and 12. Besides, Shop Owners Association have decided to keep shops, commercial establishments and shopping malls closed across the country on Wednesday and Thursday. Despite the general holiday, essential services will remain operational in the public interest. A large number of people have Dhaka ahead of the holidays.

The government has declared a three-day holiday, aiming to facilitate voter participation in 13th parliamentary election. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette in this regard on Sunday. According to the gazette, the government has declared public holidays on February 11 and 12 (Wednesday and Thursday) on the occasion of the election and the referendum to facilitate the exercise of voting rights by officers and employees working in all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, institutions and organisations as well as teachers, officers and employees of government and private educational institutions and holding of the election. It said a special holiday has been declared for workers and employees in industrial areas on February 10 (Tuesday). The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. The approval was given at the Council’s weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. CA’s press secretary Shafikul Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday. Govt clears Tk 2459 cr specialsed hospital  for northern region   He said the reason behind the decision was to allow voters currently residing in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to travel to their respective hometowns to cast their votes, as February 11 falls on the day before the election. The decision is also expected to help authorities manage law and order more effectively during the election period, Alam said.

Workers of a garment factory staged a demonstration on Sunday on Chandra-Nabinagar highway in Gazipur, demanding a wage increase. The authorities of 15 factories declared holiday fearing further trouble. Workers and locals said workers of Irish Fashion Ltd took to the highway in the morning demanding an increase in their wages. BNP to strengthen national unity against fascism: Salahuddin As per a government proposal, a nine percent salary increase is mandated for workers who have completed one year of service. However, workers with less than one year of service staged demonstrations on the highway, demanding a wage hike. Later the workers from other factories joined the demonstrating workers. During the demonstration, traffic movement on the highway remained halted for a while. RMG workers block Chandra-Nabinagar highway in Gazipur Abu Taleb, assistant superintendent of industrial police in Gazipur, said additional police forces were deployed in the area. He said the vehicular movement resumed after the workers left the highway.  Another 4% hike in annual increment recommended for RMG workers

Trade between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port resumed on Monday morning after a five-day closure marking Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of Hindus. Shamsur Rahman, president of the Benapole Clearing & Forwarding agent, said the land port again became vibrant with activities. Read more: 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole Hundreds of Indian trucks carrying goods started entering the land port in the morning as those were stranded at the Indian end for the last five days, he said. Imtiaz Bhuiyan, Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Checkpost Immigration police, said the movement of passengers between the two countries with valid documents remained uninterrupted.

The Durga Puja holiday will now last four days, starting from Thursday. This extension comes as Friday and Saturday are already government holidays this month. A notification regarding this will be issued soon, according to Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, who shared the information with reporters at the Dhakeshwari Temple on Tuesday morning. "This extra holiday has been granted to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Durga Puja," he said. Apart from this, measures are being taken to ensure that the Buddhist community can celebrate the "Kathin Chibar Dan" smoothly, he added.  Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and leaders of the Hindu community, among others, were present at the press conference. Durga Puja around the corner; 257 mandaps set up in Dhaka The formal celebrations of Durga Puja begin on Wednesday, with the final day, Dashami, falling on Sunday, October 13. On Dashami, with the immersion of the idol, Durga Puja for the Hindu community will conclude. In light of this, Sunday has also been declared a government holiday. Altogether, the Durga Puja holiday this year will extend for four days.

Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

As the festive season draws near, the crisp, cool winds stir a sense of joy and celebration. Netflix, a leading OTT platform, becomes a treasure trove of holiday entertainment, especially during this cheerful time. This year, the streaming giant once again enthralls its audience with a captivating selection of English-language Christmas movies and series from its 2023 line-up. 2023's must-watch English Christmas movies and series on Netflix The Claus Family 3 The Claus Family 3, a continuation of the 2020 movie The Claus Family, tells the story of Jules, a young boy destined to inherit Santa's legacy. Released on Netflix on November 8, 2023, and directed by Ruben Vandenborgh, this film concludes the Claus family trilogy. It depicts Santa's looming retirement and the family's challenges that follow. The cast includes Mo Bakker, Dieter Hallervord, Jan Decleir, and Tanja Jess. The movie follows Jules as he gears up to take over his grandfather's role as Santa, amidst disruptions caused by a mischievous toymaker. Will the Claus family uphold the holiday spirit in this heartwarming finale? Read more: ‘Wonka’ review: Powered by the charisma of Timothée Chalamet Best. Christmas. Ever! This film, directed by Mary Lambert and released on November 16, 2023, revolves around the unexpected reunion of Jackie and Charlotte during the holiday season. Featuring Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, and Candice King, the story unfolds with Jackie sending a boastful annual newsletter to Charlotte. This year, however, Charlotte shows up at Jackie's door, leading to comedic revelations and a journey of embracing the unexpected joys of Christmas. Family Switch Released on November 30, 2023, and directed by Joseph McGinty Nichol, "Family Switch" is a comedy about two rival families, the Kellers and the Johnsons, who accidentally switch bodies during a unique planetary alignment. Starring Jennifer Garner, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maya Rudolph, and Ed Helms, the movie combines humor with heartfelt messages of empathy and understanding, making it an ideal family-friendly Christmas comedy. Read more: Chorki sets tongues wagging with reveal of first-ever Raihan Rafi-Shakib Khan collaboration The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday This half-hour CG animated special, a prequel to the 2022 film "The Bad Guys," was released on November 30, 2023. Directed by Bret Haaland, it features the voices of Michael Godere, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Mallory Low. The special follows the criminal crew from the original movie as they navigate holiday hurdles, encounter mischievous reindeer, and rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.

On the first workday after Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, attendance in offices is quite low. After visiting the Secretariat today (April 24), it was seen that most of the employees were on optional leave. Read More: Quader satisfied with ‘hassle-free’ Eid commute, urges discipline  The holiday for government officials and employees began on April 19 and ended on Sunday (April 23). Eid greetings were seen being exchanged at the Secretariat today, among officials and staff.

With the Eid holidays approaching, many holidaymakers are looking for affordable and exciting travel destinations abroad. Fortunately, there are numerous options available that offer unique experiences without breaking the bank. There is something for everyone, from stunning beaches to ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore some of the best and most affordable travel destinations for Bangladeshi Eid holidaymakers. 10 affordable international travel destinations for Eid holidaymakers from Bangladesh During the long holiday of Eid, a considerable number of individuals opt to travel overseas. Airlines and tour companies provide diverse offers to entice travelers during this festive season. Here are some of the most affordable yet nicest destinations to explore during the Eid holiday. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia is a treasure trove of attractions that tourists would not want to miss. Depending on the date, a one-way air ticket starts from Tk 33,000, and depending on the area, the hotel price starts from Tk 5000 per night for two people. However, if you go with a tour package through different agencies, the price will be quite low. Read More: How to Obtain an International Automobile Driving License from Bangladesh? The country consists of a rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage that is simply breathtaking. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur alone is home to numerous architectural landmarks and historical sites that are worth exploring.

The sale of advance train tickets will start online from Friday (April 07, 2023) for Eid holidaymakers in Bangladesh. The commuters have to purchase their tickets online and mobile apps. For this, the commuters have to complete their registration through rail ticketing web portal ‘Rail Sheba’ or through sending SMS from mobile by showing NID/passport/birth certificate. Advance train tickets for April, 17, 18,19,20,21 will be available on April 7, 8,9,10, and 11 respectively while the selling of return tickets will begin from April 15. Also read: Advance sale of train ticket for Eid journey to start April 7 Besides, the return tickets for April 25, 26, 27, 29, 29 and 30 will be available for April 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. On the occasion of Eid, the movement of ‘Mitali Express’ and ‘Maitree Express’ trains will remained suspended from April 18-27 and April 20-27 respectively. However, the ‘Bandhan Express’ train will run as per its schedule. There will be no stopover of Dhaka-bound Ekata, Drutojan, Panchagarh, Nilsagar, Kurigram, Lalmoni and Rangpur Express trains at Dhaka Airport Station from April 17 to the day before Eid-ul-Fitr. Read More: Eid journey: Nat’l Committee demands bike ban on highways for 9 days