Government Workers Gain Another Day Off

Bangladesh said it would give government employees a second day off each week to conserve energy because the growing cost of crude oil forced it to raise gasoline prices.

The workers will get Saturday off in addition to Friday, the Islamic day of prayer.

The measure aims to keep vehicles off the streets and offices closed for an extra day to save gasoline and electricity, an official statement said.

Employers in the private sector are expected to follow the government's lead.