PM switches off excess lights and AC to conserve power

Tarique Rahman has cut the use of lights and air-conditioning in his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat by half as part of a drive to save electricity.

The Prime Minister also urged all ministries and government institutions to exercise restraint in their electricity consumption.

Atikur Rahman Ruman said the measures were implemented immediately after the Prime Minister arrived at his office on Thursday morning.

“The prime minister arrived at his office at 9:10 am and immediately switched off 50 per cent of the lights in his room and set the air-conditioning temperature to 25.1 degrees,” Ruman said, noting that maintaining the AC at this level helps reduce electricity use.

The Prime Minister also instructed officials to turn off half of the lights and raise the air-conditioning temperature in the Cabinet meeting room after entering for a cabinet session, Ruman added.

Building No. 1 of the Secretariat houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Division, and several other departments under the Prime Minister’s supervision.

Following the Prime Minister’s instructions, half of the lights were immediately switched off and the AC settings adjusted in all rooms of his office, Ruman said.

Tarique Rahman additionally called on all ministries in the secretariat, government offices nationwide, private buildings, shopping malls, commercial establishments, and other institutions to be more cautious in their electricity use.

He also requested that artificial lighting be reduced during daytime hours in favour of natural sunlight, encouraging the opening of curtains and windows in offices and homes.