The government has ordered shopping malls, markets and shops across the country to close by 8pm from Wednesday as part of measures to conserve electricity.
The Power Division’s Coordination-2 branch issued the directive on Wednesday.
Previously, shopping malls, markets and shops were allowed to remain open until 9pm under a decision that took effect on June 11.
According to a letter signed by Electricity Division Deputy Secretary Md Mamun Bhuiyan, shopping malls, markets and shops will be allowed to operate from 11am to 8pm under the new directive.
The directive also requires ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural events across the country to end by 8pm.
All illuminated billboards must be switched off by 7pm, while decorative lighting must remain off, the Power Division said.
However, food shops, hospitals and pharmacies will remain exempt from the directive.