Whatmore, who took over as Bangladesh coach from June 1 this year, is expected to spend the entire vacation period with his family in Sri Lanka.

He is due to arrive back in Dhaka on January 3 and start the primary camp for Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe from January 4.

This will be the first long break for the Sri Lanka-born Australian since he joined as the Tigers' coach on a two-year contract. Whatmore has had a hectic schedule in his new assignment as Bangladesh featured in three tough series' against Australia (away), Pakistan (away) and England at home over the last six months.

Although, his team looked a much-improved side against Australia and Pakistan, they failed to continue that form during the England series.

Besides Whatmore, physio John Gloster and trainer Dean Woodford, both Australians, have also gone home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. They are also set to return before the Tigers' camp starts.