What austerity measures is Bangladesh implementing to combat the energy crisis?

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Bangladesh Implements Wide-Ranging Austerity Measures to Combat Energy Crisis

Bangladesh is introducing a comprehensive package of austerity measures to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis. These measures include reduced working hours for offices and businesses, restrictions on non-essential government spending, and a push towards more sustainable transport options. The government aims to conserve energy and reduce public expenditure over the next three months.
Reduced Office and Business Operating Hours

To conserve energy, government and private offices will now operate from 9am to 4pm, a reduction of one hour from the previous schedule. Similarly, banking hours have been adjusted to 9am to 3pm, with banks closing by 4pm. Shops, markets, and shopping malls are required to close by 6pm daily. However, essential services such as hotels, pharmacies, and kitchen markets are exempt from this restriction.
Cuts to Government Spending and Procurement

Significant cuts are being implemented across various government expenditure categories. Spending on fuel, electricity, and gas will be reduced by 30%, and unnecessary travel expenses will also be curtailed by 30%. Furthermore, expenditure on internal training programmes will be halved, and all government-funded foreign training is suspended. A 50% reduction will also be applied to spending on meetings and seminars. In terms of procurement, the government has suspended new purchases of vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and computer equipment for a period of three months.
Prohibition of Decorative Lighting and Promotion of Electric Buses

As part of the energy-saving drive, decorative lighting at social events, including weddings, is now prohibited. Concurrently, the government is developing a plan to introduce electric buses for students. Educational institutions participating in this initiative will be eligible for duty-free import facilities for new electric buses, with the private sector also able to access this facility, albeit with a 20% duty for commercial cases.
Increased Fuel Imports from Alternative Sources

To ensure a stable supply of fuel amidst global supply chain disruptions, Bangladesh is actively seeking to increase fuel imports from alternative sources. Initiatives are already underway to secure fuel from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, aiming to diversify import origins and enhance energy security.

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What austerity measures is Bangladesh implementing to combat the energy crisis?

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