Bangladesh: Interim government may cancel August 15 holiday

DHAKA: The interim government is likely to cancel the August 15 public holiday, observed as National Mourning Day in Bangladesh.

The newly-formed interim is considering this move part of its special measures since taking office.

Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration has prepared a notification to cancel the holiday, which may be issued after approval.

The interim government plans to deploy the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and possibly even the Bengal military on August 15 to maintain law and order.

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August 15 marks the assassination of Bangladesh Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, in 1975.

The day has been observed as a national mourning day and public holiday since Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Rahman’s daughter and former Prime Minister, came to power.

A student movement ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. The interim government now governs Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. It also includes several student representatives who participated in the protests.