Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has extended operating hours for all markets, shopping malls and commercial establishments across the country until 10pm effective immediately until Eid-ul-Azha.
In a press release issued yesterday, the association said the government earlier directed shops to close by 7pm amid an ongoing energy crisis.
The new schedule has been set specifically in view of the Eid shopping season, it said.
The association noted 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 refrain from decorative lighting and any unnecessary use of electricity 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 the extension up to 10pm.
It may be recalled that the government on April 3 directed all commercial establishments to shut by 6pm owing to the fuel crisis.
Following discussions with business organisations, the closing time was revised to 7pm from April 5.
