Govt extends shopping hours to 10pm during Eid ul Azha

Shopping malls and markets across the country will remain open until 10pm from May 12 until Eid ul Azha, following government approval to extend business hours for the festive season.

The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, saying the revised schedule was introduced to facilitate Eid shopping amid high consumer demand.

Earlier, commercial establishments had been instructed to close by 7pm as part of energy saving measures during an ongoing power crisis. The association said it formally requested a temporary relaxation of the restriction, and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources approved an extension of operating hours until 10pm.

However, businesses have been directed to limit electricity consumption during the extended hours. Decorative lighting and other non essential uses of power have been discouraged to ease pressure on the national grid.

Association President Helal Uddin said shop owners had initially sought permission to operate until 11pm, but authorities allowed a three hour extension instead of four.

The government first imposed reduced business hours on April 3, ordering commercial outlets to close by 6pm due to fuel shortages. After consultations with business groups, the deadline was adjusted to 7pm from April 5.