Schools to remain closed during Ramadan from Thursday

The vacation for primary, lower secondary and secondary schools on the occasion of the holy Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19. 

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education announced this decision on Wednesday. 

The ministries approved a revised list of holidays and the academic calendar for the 2026 academic year, resulting in a total of 36 days of closure for secondary and lower secondary schools from February 19 to March 26. 

This extended break covers the entire holy month of Ramadan, along with observances such as the advent of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur, Shab-e-Qadr on March 17, Jumatul Bida on March 20, Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, and Independence and National Day on March 26.

After initial confusion and various discussions—including a planned start date of March 8 for Ramadan and Eid vacations—the new government reversed its earlier decision on Wednesday and opted to close government and private primary and secondary schools for the full month of Ramadan, starting from its first day. 

Colleges and madrasas had already been scheduled for closure during this period in advance. 

The Secondary and Higher Education Department published the revised holiday list and calendar on Wednesday evening, while the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education confirmed the same for primary schools, as stated by Additional Secretary Shahana Sharmin. 

Schools are now set to remain closed until March 26, with classes resuming afterward.