Dhaka, July 30— The Ministry of Public Administration has announced that all government and private offices in Bangladesh will resume their regular operating hours from Wednesday, July 31, following a period of disruption due to the recent quota reform movement unrest. The offices will now function from 9 am to 5 pm, reinstating the standard work schedule.
The decision comes after a series of adjustments to office hours aimed at ensuring public safety during a volatile period. Initially, a government holiday was declared on July 21 and 22 in response to escalating violence and vandalism associated with the movement. This suspension was later extended to include Tuesday, July 23, as tensions persisted.
In an effort to balance security concerns with the need for administrative continuity, a limited reopening of offices was implemented on July 24 and 25, with reduced hours from 11 am to 3 pm. Subsequently, from July 28 to July 30, office hours were adjusted to operate from 9 am to 3 pm.
The Ministry's press release on Tuesday confirmed that the situation has sufficiently stabilized, allowing for a full resumption of normal office hours. The return to regular operations is a positive sign of recovery from the disruptions caused by the protests, which had led to significant disturbances in government and private sector operations across the country.
During the unrest, which began on July 15 with clashes in Dhaka University, the government took various measures to maintain order, including adjusting public service hours and declaring temporary holidays. These measures were part of a broader effort to manage the aftermath of the protests and ensure the safety of citizens and public property.
The Ministry of Public Administration expressed confidence that the restoration of normal office hours marks a significant step towards normalcy. The government remains vigilant and prepared to take further actions if necessary to maintain peace and stability in the country.
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