Traders seek shop hours' extension till 10PM

The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has urged the government to allow markets, shopping malls and shops across the country to remain open until 10PM, instead of the current 8PM, citing declining sales and mounting financial pressure on businesses.

The association made the demand in a press release  on Monday (November 2).

The release said markets, shopping malls and commercial establishments in Dhaka and other parts of the country were facing a shortage of customers and a slowdown in sales. The mandatory 8PM closure was significantly reducing sales, pushing small and medium-sized businesses into financial difficulties and putting many establishments at risk of closure.

The association said the impact extended beyond business owners, threatening the livelihoods of millions of employees. It estimated that around 70 lakh shop owners and 2.5 crore employees associated with the sector depended on the retail trade for their livelihoods.

According to the release, an emergency virtual meeting of the association's standing committee was held on November 1, 2026. Considering the livelihoods of traders and employees, the meeting decided to seek government permission to keep shops, markets and shopping malls open until 10PM.

The association has specifically urged the Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources to issue the necessary government directives in this regard.

Its leaders believe extending business hours until 10PM would help restore normal business activity, reduce financial losses for small and medium-sized traders and protect employment.