The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has issued an urgent directive to ensure that no examinations are scheduled in high schools, colleges, or universities between September 28 and October 9, in observance of several major religious events.

According to the circular released on Wednesday, September 24, by the Secondary and Higher Education Division, the instruction has been sent to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) for immediate implementation.

The ministry explained that this year’s official holiday calendar already incorporates major religious festivals such as Durga Puja, Vijayadashami, Fateha-i-Yazdaham, Prabarana Purnima, and Lakshmi Puja. As a result, a total of 12 consecutive days of vacation have been approved, beginning on September 28 and ending on October 9. During this period, the ministry stressed that educational institutions must refrain from holding any examinations so that students, teachers, and communities can observe these events with due religious significance and social harmony.

The directive emphasized that these festivals hold profound importance for different religious communities across the country. Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community, is celebrated with spiritual rituals and cultural festivities, culminating in Vijayadashami. Fateha-i-Yazdaham, a significant day for the Muslim community, and Prabarana Purnima, an important festival for Buddhists, also fall within the same period. In addition, Lakshmi Puja, observed by Hindu devotees, is marked during these days.

The overlapping of these diverse religious occasions highlights Bangladesh’s cultural and religious diversity, and the ministry stated that uninterrupted observance of these events contributes to fostering unity and respect among different communities. By suspending examinations during the holiday period, students and families will be able to fully participate in the festivals without the pressure of academic obligations.

The University Grants Commission has been instructed to circulate the order to all universities under its jurisdiction, while the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education will ensure compliance at the school and college levels. The ministry noted that institutional authorities should strictly adhere to the holiday calendar and ensure no deviations are made when it comes to examinations.

Officials from the ministry further added that the decision reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting religious harmony. Bangladesh, as a multi-religious nation, recognizes the significance of respecting the traditions and practices of all faiths. The directive aims not only to facilitate the observance of religious rituals but also to strengthen the country’s social cohesion by allowing every community to celebrate their festivals without disruption.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education finalized the annual holiday schedule in consultation with representatives from different religious and cultural groups. This collaborative approach ensured that the interests of all communities were taken into account. With the confirmation of the 12-day vacation period, both students and educational staff can plan ahead, reducing conflicts between academic schedules and religious commitments.

Educational institutions have been asked to reschedule any planned assessments or academic activities that may have originally overlapped with the holiday period. Teachers and administrators are expected to reorganize timetables to accommodate the directive. While the extended holiday might compress the academic calendar slightly, ministry officials expressed confidence that institutions will be able to adjust without significant disruption to the overall academic year.

The circular concluded by reiterating the importance of observing the holidays with due respect and dignity. It called upon all educational authorities to ensure that the period from September 28 to October 9 remains free from examinations, enabling students and communities to mark Durga Puja, Vijayadashami, Fateha-i-Yazdaham, Prabarana Purnima, and Lakshmi Puja with full religious fervor and participation.