The government of Bangladesh has announced new working hours for all public and private offices to tackle the ongoing energy crisis. Starting Sunday, April 5, offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., reducing the daily schedule by one hour to a total of seven working hours. The decision was disclosed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani following a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 2.

In addition to the revised office schedule, separate timings have been set for banks and financial institutions, which will now remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The government has also introduced further measures to conserve energy, including mandatory closure of shopping malls and shops after 6 p.m. and restrictions on decorative lighting at wedding events.

These steps are part of a broader effort to manage the country’s energy consumption amid supply challenges, with the new schedules expected to remain in effect until further notice.