Extended Weekly Holiday Under Review

Mounting pressure in the global energy market, fuelled by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, is beginning to exert tangible effects on Bangladesh’s domestic energy situation. In response, the government is reportedly weighing a series of cost-saving measures, including the possibility of extending the weekly holiday for public sector employees.

Officials familiar with the discussions indicate that the proposal forms part of a broader strategy to manage rising energy costs and address potential supply disruptions. Options under consideration also include the introduction of work-from-home arrangements for selected government departments and adjustments to official office hours. However, no final decision has yet been made, and all measures remain at the discussion stage.

Government sources confirm that all public agencies have already been instructed to submit detailed proposals aimed at reducing energy consumption. These proposals are expected to be reviewed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting, where further policy decisions may be taken.

In parallel, the education sector is also being encouraged to explore hybrid learning models, with partial online instruction under active consideration to reduce pressure on electricity demand during peak hours.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a directive reinforcing earlier energy conservation guidelines. The circular emphasised strict compliance with measures designed to reduce unnecessary power usage across all government offices. Key instructions include maximising the use of natural daylight, setting air-conditioning systems to a minimum temperature of 25°C, and switching off electrical equipment when not in use. Offices have also been instructed to avoid unnecessary lighting and decorative illumination, while ensuring more efficient electricity management overall.

Authorities are additionally considering the formation of “vigilance teams” within each government office to monitor compliance with energy-saving protocols and ensure accountability in implementation.

The renewed push for conservation comes amid escalating instability in the global energy market, largely driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Disruptions in key supply routes—particularly those linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments—have heightened concerns for import-dependent economies such as Bangladesh.

As a result of tightening supplies, Bangladesh has increasingly been forced to procure fuel from the spot market at significantly higher prices, placing additional strain on foreign exchange reserves and overall energy budgeting. The situation has also led to greater reliance on costlier fuel oils, such as furnace oil, for electricity generation. Compounding the challenge is the country’s limited domestic refining capacity, which necessitates the import of refined petroleum products at elevated costs.

Key Measures Under Consideration

With energy prices remaining volatile and geopolitical uncertainty persisting, policymakers are expected to continue exploring a combination of administrative and structural measures aimed at stabilising domestic consumption while managing fiscal pressure.