Three-day festive holiday only for schools and colleges, madrasas continue regular classes

PNN News Desk: Dhaka

Students in schools and colleges are receiving a continuous three-day holiday this week, but madrasa students have a different schedule. Authorities concerned have stated that holidays are not uniform across all educational institutions.

According to the annual holiday calendar, schools and colleges have been granted three consecutive holidays for the Baisabi festival on April 12, Chaitra Sankranti on April 13, and Pahela Baishakh. Regular classes will resume on April 15.

However, according to the Directorate of Madrasa Education, madrasas will only have a holiday on Pahela Baishakh. As a result, regular academic activities will continue on April 12 and 13.

An official from the madrasa education directorate said that Pahela Baishakh is a universal cultural festival observed nationwide, so it is included in the holiday list. However, other festivals are not equally relevant for all students, so they are not included.

He further said that madrasa education is mainly based on religious studies, and therefore the holiday list is prepared considering that context. The decision is also intended to maintain continuity in students’ academic activities.

Meanwhile, the difference in holiday schedules has caused some confusion among students. Education officials said that clearer communication of holiday notices could help avoid such confusion.