Bangladesh has introduced sweeping cost-cutting and energy-saving measures, including a 30 percent reduction in fuel allocations for ministers’ official vehicles and a temporary halt to interest-free car loans for government officials.
The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting led by Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Thursday night, according to an official briefing released on Friday.
The move comes as part of a broader national effort to manage rising energy demand and reduce public expenditure amid global uncertainties. Authorities have set an ambitious goal of saving approximately 3,100 megawatts of electricity per day through coordinated government initiatives.
As part of the plan, all decorative lighting will be discouraged nationwide for the next three months. The government will also launch awareness campaigns across media platforms, while enforcement may include mobile courts if needed.
New Timings for Offices and Businesses
Revised schedules have been introduced across sectors. Government and private offices will operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Banking institutions will follow the same hours, with customer services available between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
All non-essential office buildings, shopping centres, and commercial establishments must close by 6:00 PM under the new directive.
Focus on Education and Green Transport
The Education Ministry is expected to consult relevant stakeholders to design an energy-efficient operational plan for schools and colleges, which will be submitted in the next cabinet meeting.
In a move to promote environmentally friendly transport, the government has approved duty-free import of electric buses for registered educational institutions, while other sectors will benefit from a reduced 20 percent duty. Authorities also plan to gradually remove outdated and polluting vehicles from roads.
Extensive Cuts in Government Spending
The austerity measures extend across multiple government sectors. All foreign training programs funded by the government have been suspended. Domestic training costs, along with meeting, seminar, and hospitality expenses, will be significantly reduced.
Travel expenditures will be cut by 30 percent, while the purchase of vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and computers in the public sector has been completely stopped. Fuel consumption in government offices will also be reduced by 30 percent.
In addition, spending on beautification of residential and non-residential buildings will be reduced, and land acquisition costs have been fully halted as part of the wider cost-control strategy.
Officials said implementation will now proceed through relevant ministries in phases nationwide.
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