The government’s austerity and energy-saving measures, including revised office hours for public and private institutions and changes to banking and financial sector schedules, take effect from today.
Under the new directives, all government and private offices will operate from 9am to 4pm, said a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday. Furthermore, markets, shops and shopping malls must close by 6pm.
In line with the decision, Bangladesh Bank has revised office and transaction hours for all scheduled banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). According to a circular issued on Saturday, banks and NBFIs will remain open from 10am to 5pm, while customer transactions will be conducted from 10am to 3pm, Sunday through 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 24 hours a day, seven days a week, following existing directives.
The central bank said the revised schedule aligns with 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 begin at 10am as usual but will close at 2pm, half an hour earlier than the regular schedule. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) office will operate from 9am to 4pm.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
