The energy crisis is deepening in Bangladesh. To deal with this crisis arising due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the government has taken many big and tough decisions. In the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, changes in the timings of offices and markets as well as cuts in government expenses have been announced. These rules have become effective from April 3, 2026 and will be applicable from April 5 in some areas.
New rules for offices and markets
The government has reduced working hours to save electricity and fuel. Now government and private offices will operate only from 9 am to 4 pm, which will reduce the working day by one hour. Service for customers in banks will be available till 3 pm, although internal work of the bank can be completed till 4 pm. The strictest decision has been taken regarding markets and shopping malls, it will now be mandatory to close them by 6 pm.
Kitchen markets, medicine shops and restaurants will remain out of bounds during this time. There was confusion among shopkeepers about the time, but the government has continued the order of 6 o’clock only. There is a complete ban on decorative lighting in weddings and private functions. The Education Ministry will issue separate guidelines for schools, in which online classes are being considered.
Government expenditure and electricity saving methods
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said that many cuts have been made at the government level so that foreign exchange and energy can be saved. The government has decided to reduce the expenditure on fuel, electricity and gas by 30%. Along with this, the purchase of new government vehicles, ships and aircraft has been banned for three months.
Topics New government rules 50% reduction in foreign travel and training budget AC temperature 25 degrees Celsius or above 50% reduction in meeting and seminar expenses Illegal fuel storage Reward 1,00,000 Taka (about 815 dollars) Electric buses import duty reduced to 20%
Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has said that there is a problem in power supply due to lack of fuel and infrastructure. To handle the situation, the government is now trying to import fuel from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Kazakhstan. India is also supplying diesel to Bangladesh through Friendship Pipeline so that the crisis can be mitigated.
