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Bangladesh Cuts Work Hours, Closes Shops Early Amid Energy Crisis

The Bangladesh government has approved austerity measures to combat an energy crisis exacerbated by the West Asia conflict, including shortened work hours and early closures for shops. Government spending on hospitality, training, and travel has been significantly reduced to curb non-essential expenditure. Bangladesh has formally requested a supply of diesel from India, a request currently under examination alongside similar ones from Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India's MEA spokesperson highlighted the existing diesel supply agreement with Bangladesh but noted decisions will consider India's own refining capacity and requirements.

Key Points: Bangladesh Austerity Measures: Shorter Hours, Less Spending

  • Govt & private offices now 9am-4pm
  • Shops must close by 6pm
  • 50% cut in hospitality, training
  • Duty-free electric buses for schools
  • Diesel supply request to India examined
3 min read

Energy crunch amid West Asia conflict forces Bangladesh Govt to cut work hours, close shops early

Bangladesh announces energy-saving measures including shorter office hours, early shop closures, and reduced government spending due to the West Asia conflict.

"India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. - Randhir Jaiswal"

Dhaka, April 3

The Bangladesh Government announced a series of austerity measures in response to the ongoing energy crisis, worsened by the conflict in West Asia, which include shortening office hours, closing shops earlier, and reducing government expenditures across various sectors.

In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, chaired by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, officials approved measures aimed at curbing energy consumption and minimising non-essential spending.

The Bangladeshi Government and private offices will now operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, while banks will allow transactions until 3:00 pm and close fully by 4:00 pm.

Shops and shopping malls are required to shut by 6:00 pm, though outlets selling essentials, eateries, and pharmacies will remain open. Decorative lighting for weddings or other celebrations has been prohibited.

The government also decided to cut expenditure on hospitality at meetings and seminars by 50 per cent, reduce domestic training programmes by half, and limit non-essential travel by 30 per cent. In a move to promote greener alternatives, government schools will be allowed to import electric buses duty-free, while commercial electric buses will face only a 20 per cent import duty.

Officials stressed that these measures are temporary and necessary to alleviate the impact of the global energy crisis on Bangladesh's economy and public services.

Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it has received a request from Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is currently being examined by the government amid the fuel crisis in several countries across the world due to the West Asia conflict.

Other countries from the neighbourhood, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka, have also approached India.

During a weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal, speaking on India's energy assistance to countries in the neighbourhood, said, "India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have received a request from the government of Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is being examined."

Underlining the people-centric and development-oriented approach to relations with Bangladesh, Jaiswal recalled how India has been supplying diesel from the Numaligarh refinery to Bangladesh since 2017 through various modes, which include waterways, rail and later through the India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline.

"A sale purchase agreement was signed in October 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of high-speed diesel on mutually agreed terms. It bears mention that whilst diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2017, India's refining capacity, our own requirements and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions", he said.

"We have received requests from several other countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives and these are being taken to be examined, taking into account our own energy requirements and availability that we have," the MEA Spokesperson further noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad to see our neighbours struggling. We share so many cultural and economic ties. I hope India can help Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives in a balanced way. Our own energy security is important, but helping friends in need strengthens the whole region. 🤝
A
Aditya G
The 6 PM shop closure is drastic! Imagine the impact on small businesses and daily wage workers. While austerity is needed, these measures seem to hit the common man the hardest. The government should focus more on reducing its own lavish spending first.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the regional dynamics. India's position as a refined fuel exporter gives it significant diplomatic leverage. The mention of the Numaligarh refinery and the friendship pipeline shows how interconnected South Asia's energy infrastructure is becoming.
K
Karthik V
Prohibiting decorative lights for weddings is a very practical step. In India, we also waste so much electricity on pandals and decorations. Maybe we should learn from this. Energy crisis is a global problem, we all need to adopt simpler lifestyles.
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Michael C
The MEA spokesperson's statement is very measured and responsible. It rightly balances India's commitment to its neighbours with its own national requirements. This is how foreign policy should be conducted – with clarity and without over-promising.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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