BB asks banks to cut vehicle fuel use, promote public transport and car-pooling

Bangladesh Bank has advised banks to reduce fuel consumption in their vehicles by practising restraint in both personal and official travel.

It recommended using public transport instead of private cars where possible and adopting car-pooling arrangements when necessary.

The central bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular today (11 March), instructing managing directors and chief executives of all banks to take steps to ensure efficient use of power and fuel across their operations.

Banks were also asked to limit unnecessary travel to reduce the use of fuel oil.

The directive asked scheduled banks to adopt awareness and conservation measures to reduce electricity and fuel consumption, citing risks of disruption in global energy supplies due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to the circular, banks must practise austerity in electricity use at their head offices, branches, sub-branches and other facilities.

The use of lights, fans, air conditioners (ACs) and other electronic equipment in office rooms should be limited.

Banks have also been instructed to maximise the use of daylight and ensure that lights and ACs remain switched off when not necessary. The temperature of air conditioners must not be set below 25 degrees Celsius, the directive said.

The directive further instructed banks to strictly follow existing schedules and restrictions when using building illumination and promotional electronic display boards. Unnecessary or excessive lighting should be avoided.

Additionally, banks have been asked to take measures to reduce fuel use in power generators.

The circular also reminded banks to properly comply with earlier instructions issued in BRPD Circular Letter No. 37 dated 7 September 2022 regarding efficient use of electricity and energy-saving operation of air-conditioning systems.

The directive has been issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.