Bangladesh Shopkeepers’ Association has called on the government to extend shopping mall operating hours until at least 9pm, warning that the current 7pm closing rule is hurting sales, threatening livelihoods and disrupting pre-Eid business momentum.
The association has submitted a formal application to State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, urging a revision of the existing trading hours ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha season.
The demand was outlined in a press statement issued on Sunday.
Traders say the early closure of shopping malls is inflicting significant financial losses on thousands of shop owners, particularly at a time when consumer demand typically rises ahead of Eid festivities.
According to shopkeepers, most buyers tend to visit shopping centres after office hours with family members, often staying until 9pm or even 10pm. However, the enforced 7pm shutdown has sharply curtailed footfall and reduced evening sales, they argue.
The association said the current schedule has disrupted normal business flow, particularly for small and medium-sized traders, including ready-made garment retailers and independent shop owners, many of whom are already facing severe financial strain.
“If this situation continues, many businesses may be forced to shut down permanently,” the leaders warned, adding that declining sales could also reduce government revenue from customs duties and taxes, with wider implications for the economy.
They further cautioned that the tightening of trading hours is compounding existing pressures on the retail sector, where profit margins have already been squeezed by rising costs and weaker consumer purchasing power.
Despite their concerns, the association emphasised that traders remain committed to government regulations and are prepared to cooperate fully on energy conservation and public safety measures.
“We are ready to fully support initiatives related to electricity saving, security and maintaining public order,” the statement said.
As part of a compromise proposal, the association suggested adjusting opening hours, recommending that shopping malls could begin operations at 11am instead of 9am, arguing that this shift would help reduce daytime electricity consumption while allowing extended evening trading hours.
Traders maintain that such a restructuring would balance energy-saving priorities with economic activity, enabling businesses to operate efficiently during peak consumer hours without increasing pressure on the power grid.
With Eid-ul-Azha traditionally driving one of the strongest retail sales cycles of the year, shopkeepers say timely policy flexibility could be crucial in preventing further losses and sustaining market momentum during the festive period.
