Bangladesh Gov't Unveils Drastic Energy-Saving Measures

Following a high-level Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman this Thursday (April 2, 2026), Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed the media on the new directives. Effective immediately, all government and private offices will operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while banks will conclude transactions by 3:00 PM. To conserve electricity, all shopping malls and markets must close by 6:00 PM, excluding essential services like pharmacies and grocery stores.

The government has also slashed budgets for energy and electricity by 30% and reduced official travel and seminar expenses by 50%. A three-month ban on purchasing new vehicles and computers has also been imposed. To ensure supply stability, the administration is securing alternative oil sources from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan while maintaining subsidies to protect the public from price hikes.