Dhaka: Government-imposed austerity measures, including revised office hours and shorter business operations, took effect on Sunday as the nation seeks to curb energy consumption amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. Under the new schedule, all government and private offices are set to operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm, while markets, retail outlets, and shopping malls must close by 6:00pm.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Bank has adjusted the office and transaction hours for all scheduled banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) in compliance with the government’s directive. These institutions will remain open from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with customer transactions allowed between 10:00am and 3:00pm. The capital market will now see trading end at 2:00pm, half an hour earlier than usual, after opening at 10:00am.
A decision regarding the implementation of an energy-saving plan in educational institutions is still pending. Officials indicated that this matter will be finalized after consultations with relevant stakeholders. Meanwhile, emergency services are exempt from the new office schedule. These services include essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and other fuels, along with fire service, port operations, sanitation, telecommunications, and postal services. Healthcare services, including hospitals, doctors, medical staff, as well as vehicles transporting medicines and equipment, and the media, will continue to operate without disruption.