"The Awami League (AL) during its period initiated the two-day weekly holiday, which was cancelled by this government. If they want to re-initiate the same thing why didn't they consider it at the time of cancellation," said Anisur Rahman, a government employee.

Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman in a meeting on August 28 said that as a part of the government's concept to reduce revenue expenditure they are considering the two-day weekly holiday.

"The two-day weekly holiday will cut down the fuel costs and other expenditure incurred by government offices," said the minister.

Government employees living in the city without their families and wish to go back to the villages once a week appreciated the move.

"My family lives in Barishal and if I take the launch on Thursday afternoon I can spend two days with them," said Habibul Bahar, another government employee who welcomed the government consideration.

Others who reside in the city also welcomed the idea, as they believe they may have more time for themselves and their families.

"One day off in a week flies off as quick as blink of an eyelid. A lot of work is left for the weekend and most importantly the Jumma prayer. An additional day would give the real taste of a holiday," said government employee, Fatema Tuz Johora, a Gulshan resident.

"One day isn't sufficient for us to refresh ourselves after six days of hard work. The additional day will help to start the new week afresh," said Khondoker Asaduzaman, who works in a government office.

Many employees said it would save government expenditure as well their own.

Employees of private, autonomous and other emergency service providers feel discriminated, as the two-day weekly holiday may not apply to them.

"We were not given this privilege the last time. If the ruling is repeated, we hope that we would be adequately compensated for the additional day's work," said Syed Rakibul Ahsan an employee of a private organisation.

The country's largest business organisation the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers and Commerce Industry (FBCCI) -- in the country opposed the idea of two-day weekly holiday.

"A two-day weekly holiday will affect production and commercial activities. We opposed this when it was initiated before and we will talk to the authorities to hold to the present one-day weekly holiday," said Abdul Awal Mintu, president FBCCI.