Government Announced Duty-Free E-Buses, Spending Cuts and Shorter Working Hours
The government has decided to import electric buses with duty-free facilities to reduce traffic congestion and decrease students' use of private cars. Educational institutions participating in this initiative will receive special benefits. Additionally, the duty on commercial imports of electric buses has been reduced to 20%. Furthermore, a ban has been imposed on the purchase of new vehicles (road, sea, or air) and technology products, including computers, in the public sector for the next three months.
These decisions were made at a cabinet meeting held at the National Parliament Building on Thursday, April 2nd, presided over by the Prime Minister.
Following the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani announced at a press conference that the Ministry of Education would issue separate directives regarding the schedules and activities of educational institutions. This decision is expected to take effect from next Sunday. The Cabinet Secretary also stated that the government has decided to import electric buses with duty-free facilities to reduce traffic congestion and decrease students' use of private cars. Educational institutions participating in this initiative will receive special benefits. Furthermore, the duty on commercial imports of electric buses has been reduced to 20%, but the import of old buses will not be allowed.
He stated that, as part of government spending cuts, instructions have been given to reduce budget allocations for fuel, electricity, and gas by 30%. A ban has been imposed on the purchase of new vehicles (road, sea, or air) and technology products, including computers, in the public sector for the next three months. Additionally, half of all foreign travel and domestic training for government officials has been canceled. Hospitality expenses for meetings and seminars have also been reduced by 50%.
According to the new decision, the office hours of all government and private offices across the country have been reduced by one hour. Offices will now be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from the next working day. Simultaneously, the transaction hours for banks have been set from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, although banks can remain open until 4:00 PM to complete ancillary tasks. In addition, all markets, shops, and shopping malls across the country have been instructed to close after 6 PM to save electricity. However, essential services such as grocery markets, pharmacies, and food shops will be exempt from this directive, considering the needs of the general public.
DB Tech/BMO/EK
