Dhaka, June 4 -- A laid-back atmosphere pervades the Secretariat, the nerve centre of Bangladesh's administration, on the last working day before an extended 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday for all government, semi-government offices, divisions and departments.

Attendance was relatively thin on Wednesday. Those who did come to the office were busy wrapping up their tasks, while some exchanged greetings before heading home for the holidays.

The ration shop, however, drew a large crowd.

A meeting of the advisory committees on government purchase and economic affairs was scheduled for the day.

Nobel Dey, spokesman for the road transport ministry, said: "I'll be in Dhaka for a few days during the Eid holidays. I plan to go to my home district ...