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.