After a six-day long government holiday for Eid-ul-Azha, all the government, semi-government and private offices, including banks and financial institutions, reopened yesterday with low attendance of staffs. A very poor attendance was seen at all the government, semi-government and other organizations especially in the Bangladesh secretariat yesterday, partly because many extended their leave till Thursday to add two more days, which are regular weekly holidays, to their leisure time.
However, some people were seen rushing to their respective offices to complete pending urgent work on the opening day yesterday.
Most of the ministers and the state minister were absent yesterday as they went to their village homes for celebration of Eid with their families and followers.
Some ministers, who attended the office in the secretariat yesterday, exchanged Eid greetings with their colleagues at their offices.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday attended their offices.
Talking to the reporters, Nurul Islam Nahid said the people of the country were celebrating Eid peacefully this year.
Bangladesh Secretariat sources said the offices reopened as usual but the presence was very thin as many took leave on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a festive mood prevailed at most of the offices with officials and employess exchanging Eid greetings and embracing colleagues. The holiday-seekers, who went to their villages to celebrate the Eid with relatives, have slowly started to return to their workplaces.