Govt restricts vehicle purchases, foreign training for three months

The government has imposed a three-month suspension on new vehicle purchases and government-funded foreign training as part of austerity measures amid a global energy crisis and economic uncertainty.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Thursday (April 2), Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said during a late-night briefing.

Under the measures, all foreign training funded by the government will remain suspended until further notice, while domestic training costs will be cut by 50 per cent. Purchases of vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and equipment, including computers, have also been halted.

The government has further decided to reduce spending on meetings and seminars by 50 per cent, while cutting fuel, electricity, and gas expenditures by 30 per cent. Non-essential travel expenses will also be reduced by 30 per cent.

Officials said the move comes as Bangladesh, which imports around 80 per cent of its fuel, faces supply uncertainty due to global market volatility. The government is exploring alternative energy imports from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

In addition, revised office hours will come into effect from Sunday, with government and private offices operating from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and banking hours set from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Shops and shopping malls must close by 6:00pm, except for essential services such as food and medicine.

Authorities said relevant ministries have been instructed to implement the measures immediately, with strict monitoring in place and further steps possible depending on the evolving situation.