Office hours reduced, markets to close by 6pm

The government has introduced a number of austerity measures to ensure fuel stability in the country against the backdrop of a global energy crisis triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Several decisions were made at a lengthy cabinet meeting held on Thursday night to address emerging domestic challenges, with an emphasis on keeping the country’s economy running.

As part of these measures, the government announced a change in office hours for both public and private institutions. The new schedule, effective from Sunday, will be from 9am to 4pm, instead of the usual 9am to 5pm.

Banking activities will continue from 9am to 3pm for public transactions, while banks will close at 4pm.

All shops, markets, and shopping malls across the country will remain closed after 6pm. However, emergency services such as kitchen markets, pharmacies, and food outlets will be exempt. The Ministry of Commerce will monitor the directive.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed reporters on the decisions. The cabinet meeting, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, began around 8:45pm and continued until 11:40pm. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting.

Regarding educational institutions, the cabinet secretary said the Ministry of Education will issue separate guidelines, which may come into effect from Sunday.

To reduce traffic congestion in the capital city during school hours, he said, the government has decided to introduce electric buses for school students instead of private cars.

Educational institutions joining the initiative will be able to import buses duty-free, Ghani said, adding that the private sector will also get this facility, but a 20% duty will apply for commercial purposes.

However, only new buses will be allowed for import, he said.

Noting that several steps have been taken for the next three months to reduce government expenditure, the cabinet secretary said, “No new vehicles, watercraft or aircraft will be purchased during this period.”  

Procurement of new equipment, including computers, will also remain suspended, he said, adding that internal training has been reduced by 50%, while all foreign training under government funding will remain suspended until further notice.

Expenditure on meetings and seminars has also been cut by 50%, Ghani said.

Besides, he said, government spending in the power, energy, and gas sectors will be reduced by 30%. 

The cabinet secretary also said that decorative lighting will not be allowed at weddings or celebrations during the fuel crisis period.

He said imports from alternative sources are also being increased to maintain a normal fuel supply.

Initiatives have already been taken to import fuel from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, he added.