Government Cuts Office Hours Amid Global Energy Crisis

In response to the global energy shortage triggered by tensions in the Middle East, the government has decided to revise working hours for both public and private offices. Under the new directive, office hours have been reduced by one hour and will now run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM instead of the previous 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule.

Banking transactions will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with banks closing by 4:00 PM.

Additionally, all shops and shopping malls across the country must shut down by 6:00 PM starting this Friday. However, hotels, pharmacies, essential service providers, and kitchen markets will remain exempt from this rule.

The decisions were finalized during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday night, which lasted for nearly three hours. After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed the media, with other senior officials also present.

Earlier, a business association had suggested closing markets by 8:00 PM, but the government opted for an earlier 6:00 PM deadline.

Austerity Measures Introduced

To reduce government expenditure over the next three months, several cost-cutting steps have been approved. These include a halt on purchasing new vehicles (land, water, or air) and computer equipment.

Domestic training programs will be reduced by 50%, and all foreign training funded by the government will remain suspended until further notice.

Spending on meetings, seminars, and hospitality has also been cut by half. Meanwhile, expenditures on fuel, electricity, gas, and travel will be reduced by 30%. Decorative lighting for events such as weddings will not be allowed.

Education Sector Updates Coming Soon

The Cabinet Secretary stated that the Ministry of Education will issue separate instructions regarding schools and educational institutions starting Sunday, as further discussion is required.

Plans are also in place to introduce electric buses for students in Dhaka and other regions. Educational institutions will be allowed to import these buses duty-free, provided they are brand new. Commercial imports, however, will be subject to a 20% duty.

A proposal is under consideration to conduct classes six days a week, combining both online and in-person sessions. The tentative plan suggests alternating between online and physical classes, with practical lessons held in person.

After reopening recently following a long holiday period, educational institutions are now exploring partial online learning to help reduce energy consumption amid the ongoing crisis.

Legal Update

The cabinet has also approved a draft amendment to the Public Examinations Act of 1980, allowing stricter action against all types of examination-related offenses.

Officials believe these measures will help stabilize the economy, conserve energy, and maintain discipline in daily life during the current global challenges.