Bangladesh Cuts Office Hours To Save Electricity
Bangladesh has been facing a severe fuel crisis and has changed work timings, closed schools, enforced power cuts etc.
Many countries around the world are facing energy and fuel issues due to the Russia Ukraine war. Bangladesh too has been facing a severe fuel crisis. Last month, fuel prices were raised by more than 50%. The government says it is exploring options to get cheaper fuel from Russia under a special arrangement. The decision has drawn criticism, but the government said it is necessary to cut losses amid rising international fuel prices. Small street protests against the higher prices have taken place in recent weeks, and the government said domestic prices will be adjusted after international prices ease.
Last month Bangladesh shut down all 10 of its diesel power plants. Bangladesh began daily two-hour power cuts last month. Now the government of Bangladesh has decided that from 24th August 2022 onwards schools will close an additional day each week. Most schools are closed on Fridays, but now will also close on Saturdays as well. It has also been decided that government offices and banks will shorten their work days by an hour to 7 hours instead of 8 hours to reduce electricity usage and employees will come early to save electricity and work during natural light. However, the private offices will be allowed to set their own schedules. The government has also asked thousands of mosques to refrain from using air conditioners outside of prayer times and asked people to limit vehicle use in order to help reduce pressure on fuel and energy. The timing change and other rules will remain in place till the situation becomes better, but no date has been announced as yet.
