Govt reissues office discipline, energy-saving directives after PM visit

The Ministry of Public Administration has reissued directives from the Cabinet Division on office attendance, energy conservation and workplace cleanliness following visits by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to several ministries.

The ministry sent letters to its subordinate offices and field administration yesterday, including divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), asking them to ensure compliance with the directives.

The letter said earlier instructions required government officials and employees to remain in their offices from 9am to 9:40am and ensure responsible use of electricity and energy. Instances of non-compliance have been observed, prompting the reissuance of the directives along with 11 specific instructions.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister visited several ministries at the Secretariat. He arrived at 9am on the first working day of the week and, instead of going directly to his office, went to Building No 6 for a surprise inspection.

During the visit, he inspected multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. He later visited the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Ghani, the prime minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and other officials accompanied him.

Later in the afternoon, the Ministry of Public Administration circulated the directives again in the form of an official letter.

According to the letter, officials must remain in their offices from 9am to 9:40am every day, and official schedules must not disrupt this time.

Offices have been instructed to prioritise natural light during the day by keeping windows, doors or blinds open and limiting the use of electric lighting. Only the necessary number of lights, fans, air conditioners and other equipment should be used during office hours.

Air conditioners must be set at 25 degrees Celsius or above. All electrical devices, including lights, fans and air conditioners, must be switched off when leaving rooms. Unnecessary lighting in corridors, staircases and washrooms must be avoided.

All electrical equipment, including lights, fans, computers, printers, scanners and air conditioners, must be turned off after office hours. Decorative lighting without official approval must be avoided, and energy use should be kept to a minimum.

Offices have also been instructed to maintain cleanliness in rooms, corridors, toilets, staircases and handrails on a regular basis.

To ensure compliance, all departments, agencies and offices have been asked to form vigilance teams.