Bangladesh Bank Advises Bankers to Use Public Transport to Save Fuel

Bangladesh Bank has advised bank officials to use public transport instead of private cars as part of a set of measures aimed at reducing fuel and energy consumption.

The central bank issued a letter on Wednesday (11 March) to the chief executives of all scheduled banks, urging them to take precautionary steps to conserve gas and fuel amid the current situation.

In the letter, the central bank said the government has taken various initiatives to ensure national energy security and the optimal use of state resources. In line with those efforts, banks have been asked to limit the use of electricity in their head offices, branches, sub-branches and other offices.

Banks have been instructed to make maximum use of daylight and avoid unnecessary use of lights, fans, air conditioners and other electronic devices. The temperature of air conditioners should not be set below 25 degrees Celsius.

The central bank also asked banks to reduce fuel consumption in official vehicles. Officials have been encouraged to practice austerity in both personal and institutional travel.

As part of the guidance, bank officials have been advised to use public transport instead of personal vehicles and to adopt car-sharing whenever possible.

Banks were also asked to limit unnecessary travel to reduce fuel consumption. In addition, they have been instructed to strictly follow the prescribed schedule and restrictions regarding decorative lighting and promotional electronic display boards at bank buildings.

The central bank further said banks should avoid excessive or unnecessary illumination and remain cautious about fuel use in power generators.

The directives were issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, according to the letter.