The latest government announcement has brought changes to the annual holiday schedule, with primary and secondary schools (classes I-X) now closed starting today for Ramadan. The closure will be in effect until March 26, as per separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
Due to March 26 falling on a Thursday, teachers and staff will also enjoy an extended break until March 28, including the weekend (Friday and Saturday). This adjustment modifies the previously released 2026 holiday list.
The decision by the government follows a stay order issued by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on February 16, overturning a High Court directive to keep secondary schools closed for the entirety of Ramadan. The order was issued by Justice Farah Mahbub, the chamber judge of the Appellate Division, in response to a government petition.
Previously, on February 15, the High Court had issued the directive after a preliminary hearing of a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Elyas Ali Mondal, challenging the legality of keeping secondary schools open during the first 18 days of Ramadan.
With the stay order in place, the government’s initial decision to keep schools open until the 18th day of Ramadan was upheld. However, the recent revision now enforces the closure starting today, the commencement of Ramadan.
