Shops and shopping malls across the country will be allowed to remain open until 10 pm from Tuesday (May 12) to facilitate Eid-ul-Azha shopping amid the ongoing energy crisis.
The decision was announced by the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association in a press release issued on Thursday evening following discussions with the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Under existing government austerity measures, shops are required to close by 7pm.
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On May 4, the association formally requested the ministry to extend business hours until 11pm to accommodate the increased shopping rush ahead of Eid.
Confirming the development, Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin said the government approved the extension after consultations with the Prime Minister, although no formal notification would be issued.
“The minister informed that shops can remain open until 10pm. However, he stressed that decorative lighting and unnecessary electricity consumption in shops and shopping malls must be avoided,” Helal Uddin said.