Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions across the country have announced revised office hours. The update was disclosed on Thursday (5 February) during a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
According to Mr Alam, the standard office hours for most government offices will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During this period, a brief pause from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. has been scheduled to allow employees to perform the Zuhr prayer, facilitating convenient observance of religious duties during Ramadan.
However, he emphasised that certain institutions, including banks, insurance companies, the Supreme Court, and other autonomous organisations, will have the flexibility to set their own working schedules, independent of government directives. These institutions are therefore able to operate according to their specific functional requirements.
The revised timetable is expected to streamline daily operations in government and semi-government offices, particularly by accommodating employees’ prayer schedules and altered meal routines during the fasting month. Officials believe that the adjustment will improve both productivity and employee convenience.
State sources indicate that, depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan is likely to commence on 20 February this year. Consequently, government offices are already preparing to implement the new schedule in time for the start of the fasting period.
The revised working hours for various institutions are summarised below:
| Type of Institution | Office Hours | Prayer Break | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Office | 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | As per government directive |
| Semi-Government / Autonomous | 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Recognised under government guideline |
| Banks & Insurance | Self-determined | Self-arranged | Autonomous scheduling |
| Supreme Court | Self-determined | Self-arranged | Adjusted to judicial requirements |
Mr Alam stated that the new timetable would not only provide convenience to employees but also ensure continuity of office operations. He expressed hope that all relevant institutions would adhere to the schedule, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning throughout the holy month.
With this adjustment, authorities aim to balance operational efficiency with respect for religious observances, reflecting a broader commitment to employee welfare during Ramadan.