The government has announced a series of austerity measures -- including shorter office hours, early market closures and spending cuts -- to conserve energy and manage the evolving situation triggered by the Middle East conflict.
The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the National Parliament on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said at a late-night press briefing.
He said that the meeting was held at the parliament complex under special circumstances to save time, as the prime minister is currently working extended hours amid the crisis.
Shorter office, banking hours
Under the new directive, all government and private offices will operate from 9am to 4pm from the next working day, reducing working hours by one hour.
Banks will provide customer services from 9am to 3pm, with internal operations continuing until 4pm.
Markets to close early
To reduce fuel and electricity consumption, all markets, shops and shopping malls across the country must close after 6pm.
However, essential services -- including kitchen markets, pharmacies and food outlets -- will remain exempt.
The Ministry of Commerce has been tasked with ensuring compliance.
Education, transport measures
The Ministry of Education is expected to issue separate guidelines for educational institutions, likely to take effect from Sunday.
To cut fuel use and ease traffic congestion, the government has decided to allow duty-free import of electric buses for schools, along with special incentives for participating institutions.
For commercial use, import duty on new electric buses has been reduced to 20%, although imports of used buses will not be allowed.
Spending cuts across sectors
The government has also ordered a 30% reduction in expenditure in the fuel, power and gas sectors.
For the next three months, no new government vehicles -- across road, water or air transport -- will be purchased.
Procurement of computer equipment has also been suspended.
In addition, 50% of foreign travel and domestic training for government officials has been halted, while hospitality expenses for meetings and seminars have been cut by half.
Ban on decorative lighting
Decorative lighting at private events, including weddings and social functions, will not be allowed during the ongoing energy crisis, Ghani said.
Alternative fuel sourcing
The government is also exploring alternative fuel sources as global supply chains face disruption.
Ghani said efforts are underway to import oil from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and Kazakhstan to reduce dependence on uncertain supply routes.
He added that energy subsidies will continue to ease public hardship, while the government is taking all possible measures to manage the situation.
Legal amendment approved
The cabinet also approved a draft amendment to the Public Examinations Offences Act, strengthening punitive measures against examination-related crimes.
Officials say the measures are aimed at reducing energy consumption, stabilizing supply and limiting economic disruption as global uncertainties continue.
The government has urged the public to cooperate with the directives, warning that further steps may be taken if the situation worsens.