Dhaka, March 11 -- Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday issued a set of directives to scheduled banks to practice austerity in the use of electricity and fuel, including a call for bankers to opt for public transport instead of private cars.

The central bank cited the ongoing Middle East crisis and its subsequent impact on the international fuel supply chain as the primary reasons for enforcing these energy-saving measures.

According to the circular, banks have been instructed to be economical in using fuel for both institutional and personal purposes. To reduce oil consumption, bankers are encouraged to use public transport and explore vehicle-sharing arrangements where possible.

Central bank officials noted that a significant portion of...