In a significant move to ensure maximum voter turnout and maintain security for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election 2026 and the Referendum, scheduled to be held on February 12, the Council of Advisers has approved a two-day public holiday.

Presided over by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Council on Thursday announced that February 11 as a public holiday, in addition to the previously scheduled holiday on the election day, February 12.

This decision was reached during a weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office following recommendations from a high-level security and election preparation briefing.

Briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the extended holiday is specifically designed to allow voters residing in major cities like Dhaka and industrial hubs ample time to travel to their respective constituencies.

Furthermore, a special provision has been made for industrial zone workers, who will receive an additional holiday on February 10. Consequently, workers in these sectors will benefit from a four-day holiday period, including a weekend Friday, starting from February 10 to facilitate their participation in the democratic process.

The government emphasized that the staggered holiday schedule is also a strategic measure to manage law and order effectively.
By spreading out the travel window for millions of citizens, authorities expect to reduce transit congestion and allow security forces to focus on election-day management.

An official gazette notification formalizing these dates is expected to be issued by the relevant ministry shortly.