Dhaka: Shopping malls, markets, and commercial establishments across Bangladesh will remain open until 10pm starting immediately and continuing until Eid-ul-Azha. This change follows a decision by the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, which has extended operating hours to accommodate the festive shopping season.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the association's press release highlighted that the government had previously mandated shops to close by 7pm due to an ongoing energy crisis. However, in light of the upcoming Eid shopping period, the government has approved the extended hours. This decision came after the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association formally requested the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources to allow later closing times, effective from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha.
Despite the new schedule, establishments are advised to be cautious with electricity use. They have been instructed to avoid decorative lighting and unnecessary electricity consumption to help manage the country's power resources during this period. Association President Helal Uddin noted that while they initially sought permission to operate until 11pm, the government granted an extension only until 10pm, extending the previous 7pm deadline by three hours.
This development follows a series of adjustments by the government, which initially directed all commercial establishments to shut by 6pm on April 3 due to a fuel crisis. After discussions with business organisations, the closing time was revised to 7pm from April 5.