, April 13 -- The government has introduced sweeping austerity measures, including suspension of interest-free car loans for public officials and a 30% cut in fuel consumption for official vehicles, in an effort to rein in public expenditure amid growing economic pressure.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification recently confirming that the measures will remain in force until further notice.

The decision follows a Cabinet meeting held on April 2, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.

As part of the measures, interest-free loans for purchasing vehicles by public servants will remain suspended.

Under the existing policy, officials with the rank of deputy secretary and above are entitled to interest-free loans of up to Tk 3...