Austerity, Energy-Saving Measures Begin Today

The government’s austerity and energy-saving measures came into effect on Sunday, bringing revised office hours, shorter banking schedules and early closure of markets and shopping centres.

Under a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, all government and private offices will now operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

As part of the new measures, markets, shops and shopping malls must close by 6:00pm.

In line with the government decision, Bangladesh Bank has also revised the operating hours of all scheduled banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

According to a central bank circular issued on Saturday, banks and NBFIs will remain open from 10:00am to 5:00pm, while customer transactions will be conducted from 10:00am to 3:00pm, from Sunday to Thursday, until further notice.

However, branches, sub-branches and booths located in seaport, land port and airport areas, including customs zones, will continue to operate round the clock under existing instructions.

The central bank said the revised schedule is part of broader government efforts to conserve fuel and electricity amid global energy supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In the capital market, trading will continue to start at 10:00am, but will now close at 2:00pm, half an hour earlier than usual.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) office will operate from 9:00am to 4:00pm under the revised arrangement.