Office hours from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, markets to close by 6:00pm

In response to the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the government has decided to revise the working hours of both public and private offices.

Under the new decision, office hours have been reduced by one hour, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Previously, offices operated from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Banking transactions will take place from 9:00am to 3:00pm, with banks closing by 4:00pm.

Additionally, all shops and shopping malls across the country must close by 6:00pm. The decision will come into effect from today (Friday).

These decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting held on Thursday night. The meeting began at around 8:45pm at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and continued for nearly three hours until around 11:45pm.

After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed the media on the decisions. The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and other officials were also present.

Earlier on Thursday morning, the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association had announced that shops and shopping malls would close by 8:00pm. However, the government has set the closing time at 6:00pm. Hotels, pharmacies, essential service shops, and kitchen markets will remain outside this restriction.

Austerity Measures

The cabinet also approved several steps to reduce government expenditure over the next three months.

During this period, no new vehicles (including cars, watercraft, or aircraft) or computer equipment will be purchased. Internal training programmes have been reduced by 50 per cent, and all foreign training funded by the government will remain suspended until further notice.

Expenditure on hospitality for meetings and seminars has been cut by 50 per cent. Government spending on fuel, electricity, and gas will be reduced by 30 per cent. Travel expenses have also been cut by 30 per cent.

No decorative lighting will be allowed for weddings or celebrations.

Guidelines for Educational Institutions from Sunday

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani stated that the Ministry of Education will issue separate guidelines regarding educational institutions, as further discussion is required on some aspects.

Considering the situation, the ministry will begin issuing directives related to schools and educational institutions from Sunday, ensuring that academic activities are not disrupted.

He also said that there is a decision to introduce electric buses for educational institutions in Dhaka and other parts of the country (where applicable). Schools will be able to import these buses duty-free. However, a 20 per cent duty will apply if imported for commercial purposes. The buses must be brand new.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education had planned to conduct classes six days a week, combining online and in-person learning. The proposal includes three days of online classes and three days of physical classes on an alternating basis. Even during online classes, teachers would remain physically present at institutions while conducting lessons. Practical classes would be held in person.

Educational institutions reopened last Sunday after nearly 40 days of closure due to Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and other occasions. Meanwhile, many countries, including Bangladesh, have been affected by the energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. To reduce pressure on energy consumption, partial online education has been proposed. A final decision is expected on Sunday.

The cabinet also approved a draft amendment to the Public Examinations (Offences) Act of 1980, allowing for the prosecution of all forms of exam-related crimes.

According to the briefing, these government measures are expected to play an important role in maintaining economic stability, ensuring energy conservation, and establishing discipline in public life. Proper implementation of these steps is hoped to help the country tackle future challenges.