Bangladesh Gets a Power‑Saving Power‑Down (and a New School Schedule)
So the power crisis that started with Russia’s invasion has turned into a nationwide “no‑electricity‑too‑long” problem. Ten diesel plants went dark last month, costing the country a chunk of its 23,000 MW lineup. Those plants only account for 6 % of the total, but everybody’s still chopping out power for hours on end.
Where’s All the Energy Coming From?
- Natural gas (both local and imported) powers roughly 75 % of Bangladesh’s electricity.
- Diesel plants are now offline because fuel prices shot up a stunt, spurred by the Ukraine war.
- Daily throttle‑downs are currently two hours, but in many regions it feels like a government‑induced sleep‑over.
New Rules: One Extra Day Off for Schools
The government’s plan is simple: close schools for an extra day each week.
- Normally, schools are open six days, 5 days plus one “holiday” Friday.
- Now, Saturday edges onto the “off” list.
- Works out to two closed days per week.
Work Hours—Time to Back Off
Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam announced the shift for governmental offices.
- Government agencies: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (was 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Banking: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (instead of 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
- Private firms: you decide your own schedule—no strict rule.
Fields Stay Lit
For irrigation in rural spots, power will be consistent from midnight to the morning—so farmers don’t have to bounce off the fields in the dark.
Why All the Fuss About Oil Prices?
Last week, the government nudged oil prices up by a staggering 51.7 %. That move sparked protests—students and opposition parties set on showing their displeasure. In a country of 165 million people, a price jump can feel like a curveball thrown at the whole community.
Balancing the Books
- Bangladesh has an economy worth US$416 billion (S$581 billion) and has been one of the fastest‑growing nations.
- But it’s running low on foreign reserves because import bills are on the rise.
- Governors are hunting loans from the International Monetary Fund and other global bodies.
- There are also restrictions on luxury imports and liquefied natural gas.
Bottom line: Bangladesh’s government is juggling power cuts, school closures, and financial restraints—everyone’s just hoping the power comes back on time for the next lecture!
