The interim government of Bangladesh today officially abolished the August 15 public holiday.
The decision was made during a meeting of the advisory council held at Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's office in the State Guest House Jamuna.
In a press statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office, it was noted that the decision to cancel the national holiday was made unanimously after discussions with the council of advisers and political parties.
Earlier, anonymous sources within the Ministry of Public Administration had indicated that a circular to cancel the holiday had been drafted and was awaiting approval from President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The August 15 holiday had been observed as National Mourning Day since 2008, under the recently ousted Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
The holiday cancellation decision comes shortly after Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government on August 8, following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent escape on August 5.
Speculation had been rife across the nation regarding the potential abolition of the holiday as the new administration began implementing its agenda.
BBN/SS/AN