Bangladesh’s interim government has announced an additional public holiday on Thursday, October 10, for Durga Puja, the largest religious celebration of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, says a press release.

During a press conference held on Wednesday at the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to chief adviser, made the announcement.

The formal celebrations of Durga Puja begin on Wednesday. The final day, Dashami, falling on Sunday, October 13, has also been declared a government holiday.

Altogether, the Durga Puja holiday this year will extend for four days.

‘This extra holiday has been granted to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Durga Puja,’ he said.

The chief adviser’s Press Wing was present at the press conference, where the decision was warmly received by community representatives and religious leaders.