Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in Bangladesh

Meaning and date

The name Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is used in Bangladesh for the commemoration of Muhammad’s birth. The Bangladesh Tourism Board describes it as an observance in Rabi al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar; the twelfth day is the date followed in the Bangladesh calendar facts for this holiday.[2]

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date moves each year. Bangladesh Bank marks the holiday as subject to the appearance of the moon, so travelers should check the latest official notice for the confirmed date.[3]

Official holiday and time off

The Ministry of Public Administration publishes annual government holiday schedules, and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is included in Bangladesh’s official holiday arrangements. Bangladesh Bank’s published schedule applies the holiday to scheduled banks.[1][3]

The Bangladesh Labour Act provides workers with paid festival holidays each calendar year, with the days and dates set by the employer under rules. It also says that when a worker is required to work on a festival holiday, the worker must receive a substitute day off and two days’ compensatory wages. The provision does not identify Mawlid specifically or make the same arrangement a universal substitute-day rule for all public holidays.[4]

Observances in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Tourism Board says Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is observed across Bangladesh and describes a programme organized by the Islamic Foundation at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.[2]

Mawlid is also observed in other parts of the world as a commemoration of Muhammad’s birth in Rabi al-awwal.[2]

Planning around the holiday

Government offices and scheduled banks follow their published holiday schedules. The bank calendar states that all banks and financial institutions close on Fridays and Saturdays as well as listed holidays. Check directly with the office, bank or provider you plan to visit.[1][3]