Govt reinstates 7pm closure for shops, malls after Eid relaxation

The government has reinstated the decision to close shops and shopping malls across the country by 7pm, ending a temporary relaxation granted ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

The power division has already informed the relevant authorities to enforce the directives from today (1 June) as part of the government's energy conservation efforts.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Md Rezaul Karim told The Business Standard that the relaxation was allowed only to facilitate Eid shopping following requests from the business community.

"The government had relaxed the closing hours only for Eid shopping. Since Eid is now over, the power division has instructed us to enforce the decision requiring shopping malls and shops to close by 7pm," he said.

Rezaul Karim said he had been informed that the Power Division issued a circular today directing the authorities concerned to implement the restriction.

The move revives a government decision announced in April aimed at reducing electricity consumption amid concerns over energy supply and rising fuel import costs.

Earlier, the government had revised an initial plan to shut shops and shopping malls by 6pm, allowing them to remain open until 7pm following appeals from business owners.

At the time, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said the government had reconsidered the issue after shop owners expressed concerns about potential business losses.

"Shop owners requested that businesses be allowed to remain open until at least 7pm. Although the cabinet had initially decided on a 6pm closure."