Bangladesh Bank has issued fresh instructions to all banks in the country urging them to exercise restraint in the use of electricity and fuel, citing growing uncertainty in the global energy market. The central bank stated that geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international supply chains have raised concerns about possible interruptions in fuel availability, prompting precautionary measures across key sectors of the economy.
The directive was issued through a circular released on Wednesday (11 March), instructing banks to ensure the efficient and economical use of electricity and fuel in their head offices, branches and sub-branches nationwide. According to the central bank, the move forms part of a broader national effort to conserve energy and reduce unnecessary consumption amid global instability in energy markets.
In the circular, Bangladesh Bank noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global fuel supply routes have created risks of disruption to international energy supply chains. Such disruptions could potentially lead to shortages or increased costs for fuel-importing countries like Bangladesh. As a result, the government has already adopted several austerity measures aimed at safeguarding national resources and maintaining energy stability. The banking sector, being one of the largest institutional consumers of electricity in the service industry, has now been asked to align with these conservation efforts.
Banks have been advised to minimise the use of unnecessary electrical appliances within their premises. The circular emphasises that lighting, fans and air-conditioning units should only be used when essential. Staff members are encouraged to rely on natural daylight during office hours wherever possible in order to reduce electricity consumption.
In addition to reducing electricity use inside buildings, the central bank has directed banks to limit the use of official vehicles as part of broader fuel conservation efforts. Financial institutions have been advised to reduce expenditure on both institutional and personal travel for official purposes. Employees are encouraged, whenever feasible, to utilise public transport systems or adopt car-sharing arrangements.
The circular further calls for the reduction of non-essential travel and urges banks to minimise the use of generator fuel. Backup generators should only be operated during genuine power interruptions or emergencies to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.
Another significant directive relates to the use of decorative lighting in bank premises. Banks have been instructed to avoid using decorative or ornamental lighting that does not serve operational purposes. Furthermore, promotional electronic display boards and illuminated advertising screens must not remain switched on beyond designated operating hours.
The central bank also reminded banks that earlier instructions issued on 7 September 2022 regarding energy conservation and air-conditioning management remain in force and must be strictly followed.
Officials at Bangladesh Bank said the latest circular is intended to ensure responsible energy use within the financial sector while preparing the country to cope with potential disruptions in the global energy market.
Key Instructions for Banks
| Area of Operation | Directive |
|---|---|
| Electricity Usage | Avoid unnecessary use of lighting, fans and air-conditioning |
| Natural Lighting | Utilise daylight during office hours where possible |
| Decorative Lighting | Prohibited unless operationally necessary |
| Electronic Display Boards | Must not operate beyond official hours |
| Official Vehicles | Limit usage to essential purposes |
| Staff Travel | Reduce non-essential travel |
| Alternative Transport | Encourage public transport and car-sharing |
| Generators | Use only during emergencies |
Experts note that Bangladesh imports a significant portion of its energy requirements, including petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Consequently, fluctuations in global fuel supply or price volatility can directly affect the country’s economic stability. By introducing conservation measures in large institutional sectors such as banking, policymakers hope to reduce pressure on national energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency across financial institutions.