Bangladesh Shop Owners Association hasextended operating hours for all markets, shopping malls and commercial establishments across the country will remain open until 10:00pm, effective immediately and continuing until Eid-ul-Azha.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association said the government had earlier instructed shops to close by 7:00pm due to an ongoing energy crisis.
The new schedule has been set specifically in view of the Eid shopping season, the release stated, adding that the decision was taken with government approval.
Following a formal request from the association, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources agreed to extend operating hours until 10pm from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha.
However, establishments have been instructed to avoid decorative lighting and unnecessary electricity use in order to help manage power consumption during the period.
Association president Helal Uddin said the body had initially requested permission to keep shops open until 11:00pm, four hours beyond the previous 7:00pm deadline, but the government approved an extension only up to 10:00pm.
It was also recalled that the government had earlier directed all commercial establishments on April 3 to shut by 6:00pm due to the fuel crisis. Following discussions with business organisations, the closing time was revised to 7:00pm from April 5.
-20260512062919.jpg)
