New Schedule: Office Hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m., All Shops Close by 6 p.m.

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East and the global energy crisis, the government has taken new measures to reduce pressure on the country’s energy system. These decisions were made during a special cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman on Thursday night, April 2.

According to the decisions, government and private offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bank transactions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with banks closing by 4 p.m. Additionally, all shops and shopping malls in the country must close by 6 p.m. However, hotels, pharmacies, emergency services, and grocery stores are exempt from this directive.

Austerity measures were also approved at the meeting. Over the next three months, the government will limit the procurement of new vehicles, computers, and foreign training funded by public money. Internal training will be reduced by 50%. Expenditure on meetings, seminars, and hospitality will be halved. Spending on energy, electricity, and gas will be reduced by 30%, and travel costs will also be cut by 30%. Lighting for weddings and festivals is prohibited.

Separate instructions regarding educational institutions will be issued by the Ministry of Education starting Sunday. The government’s aim is to ensure that educational activities are not disrupted. Duty-free import of electric buses will be facilitated so that schools and colleges can use them at no cost. Plans are also underway to run online and in-person classes on alternate days.

The cabinet also approved the draft amendment to the 1980 Public Examination (Offenses) Act, allowing the prosecution of all kinds of examination-related crimes.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed, “These measures will play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s economic stability, ensuring energy conservation, and establishing discipline in daily life. Proper implementation will help meet future challenges.”

The government hopes that these decisions will allow control over energy usage in the country while ensuring the normal functioning of industry, education, and administrative activities.