The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has extended operating hours for all markets, shopping malls and commercial establishments across the country until 10pm, effective immediately and continuing until Eid-ul-Azha, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
The association said the government had earlier directed shops to close by 7pm amid an ongoing energy crisis, and the revised schedule has been introduced in view of the Eid shopping season. It added 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 the extension, allowing businesses to remain open until 10pm from Tuesday until Eid-ul-Azha.
However, establishments have been instructed to avoid decorative lighting and unnecessary electricity use to help manage power consumption during the period.
Association President Helal Uddin said the body had initially sought permission to keep shops open until 11pm—four hours beyond the previous 7pm deadline—but the government approved an extension up to 10pm.
It may be recalled that the government on April 3 directed all commercial establishments to close by 6pm due to the fuel crisis. Following discussions with business organisations, the closing time was later revised to 7pm from April 5.
