The Ministry of Public Administration has officially canceled the public holiday on August 15, which was observed as National Mourning Day.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night through a government notification.
Earlier, sources from the ministry said that a notification for canceling the holiday had been prepared and could be issued later that day, depending on senior official's approval. If not issued on Tuesday, the notification would have been released on Wednesday.
Prior to the announcement, Home Affairs Advisor of the interim government Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain had stated that discussions regarding holiday would take place in the afternoon, where a final decision would be made.
He also assured that there would be heightened security measures on August 15, with a significant police presence to maintain order and law. He also mentioned that alongside police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) would be deployed, and the army could also be involved if necessary.
August 15 had been observed as National Mourning Day for last 15 years during previous Awami League-led government. However, following AL government fall on August 5, there had been increasing demands from various quarters to cancel the holiday.
Additionally, earlier on Monday, several leaders of different political parties, including BNP held a meeting with Dr Mohammad Yunus, chief of the interim government, and placed their opinions to cancel the public holiday.
SKB
