Chattogram markets remain open at night violating govt energy directive

Government instructions require shopping malls and markets to close by 7pm as part of energy conservation measures, but most commercial areas in Chattogram city continue to operate as usual.

Due to a lack of field-level monitoring and strict enforcement, the restrictions remain largely on paper.

A visit to several commercial hubs in the port city on Sunday night (12 April) between 8pm and 9pm found that business activities were continuing in major markets, including Shah Amanat market, Golam Rasul Market, Teribazar, Jashim Uddin hawkers market, Anderkilla Shahi Jame Masjid market, CDA Market in Kazir Dewri, and Riazuddin Market.

Shops in these markets remained open with full lighting, while sales staff and traders were actively serving customers. 

In some locations, customer presence was also notably high, with ongoing buying and selling taking place despite the official deadline.

Beyond major markets, similar scenes were observed across surrounding commercial areas and streets. Locations such as Kazir Dewri mor, Enayet bazar, Jubilee road, New Market area, Laldighi West Bank, Anderkilla, Chawkbazar, Mirzarpool and Muradpur saw small shops, restaurants, grocery stores, fruit stalls, electronics shops and stationery outlets continuing operations well into the night. Street hawkers were also seen conducting business under electric lighting.

Business owners said the evening hours remain the peak business period as customers generally prefer shopping after office hours and during cooler temperatures. 

Many argued that strict enforcement of the 7pm closure would significantly reduce sales, making it difficult for them to sustain their businesses amid ongoing financial pressure.

Teribazar Traders Association President Mohammad Abdul Mannan told The Business Standard that most shops remain open due to customer demand in the evening.

"There are very few customers during the daytime. Most buyers come after office hours, so sales are concentrated in the evening," he said.

He added that business conditions have been difficult in recent times. "Many traders are already facing losses. If evening sales are also stopped, it will be very difficult for many to keep their businesses running," he said.

A Teribazar shop owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they are struggling due to falling profits. "If we don't do business, how will we survive? Evening sales are our main support. Without that, there is no alternative for us," he said.

Customers also echoed similar views, saying evenings are the only convenient time for shopping after work. Faisal Ahmed, a service holder shopping at Jashim Uddin Hawkers Market, said office hours prevent him from shopping during the day.

"We only get time after office. I had pending shopping for a long time, so I came today (13 April) and bought some essential items," he said.

Meanwhile, the district administration said it is working to enforce the directive. 

Chattogram Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin told The Business Standard that public announcements have been made in several markets through loudspeakers to raise awareness.

He said some markets have reduced lighting, but many are still not complying with the instruction.

"If the directive continues to be violated, we will discuss with the deputy commissioner and take necessary steps," he added.