The Ministry of Public Administration has published the list of government holidays for 2026, bringing good news for public sector employees at the very beginning of the year.
By combining weekly holidays with government-declared ones, several opportunities for long breaks will be available throughout the year.
According to the gazette notification, there will be 14 general holidays and 14 holidays by executive order in 2026.
Of these, nine holidays fall on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, holidays have been allocated for religious observances – five for Muslims, nine for Hindus, eight for Christians, seven for Buddhists, and two optional holidays for employees from ethnic minority communities.
Here is a month-by-month look at when long holidays can be enjoyed –
February
Subject to moon sighting, Shab-e-Barat will fall on 4 February (Wednesday) as a holiday by executive order. Taking leave on Thursday (5 February) will allow employees to enjoy a four-day break, as Friday and Saturday are weekly holidays.
March
March offers multiple long holiday opportunities. Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on 21 March, with general and executive-order holidays before and after Eid, resulting in five consecutive days off.
Additionally, Shab-e-Qadr on 17 March allows employees to enjoy a seven-day break by taking just one day of leave.
Independence Day on 26 March (Thursday) will be followed by weekly holidays, offering a three- to four-day break, depending on leave arrangements.
April
Employees can enjoy a five-day holiday around Pahela Baishakh on 14 April by taking two days of leave before the festival, combined with weekly holidays.
May
The longest holiday opportunity comes in May. Subject to moon sighting, Eid-ul-Azha will be observed on 28 May. With executive-order holidays before and after Eid, a total of six days off is scheduled. By taking leave on 24 and 25 May, employees can enjoy a 10-day continuous holiday.
August
Two long breaks are possible in August. On 5 August (Wednesday), observed as July Mass Uprising Day, is a general holiday. Taking one day of leave afterward will allow a four-day break.
Similarly, Eid-e-Miladunnabi on 26 August (Wednesday) can also be extended to a four-day holiday by taking one day of leave.
October
Holidays for Durga Puja include 20 October (Maha Nabami) by executive order and 21 October (Bijaya Dashami) as a general holiday. Taking one additional day off will result in a five-day break.
December
At the end of the year, Victory Day on 16 December (Wednesday), combined with weekly holidays, allows employees to enjoy a four-day break by taking leave on 17 December.
Overall, this year offers government employees several chances to enjoy extended holidays, making it easier to plan travel, rest, and quality time with family.
