Shopping malls, stores to remain open till 10pm from 12 May for Eid-ul-Adha 

Highlights

• Shopping malls and stores can stay open till 10pm from 12 May until Eid-ul-Adha
• Current 7pm closing limit temporarily relaxed to boost Eid shopping
• Decorative lighting and excessive illumination will remain restricted
• Traders say extended hours will help businesses prepare for peak Eid sales

Shopping malls and retail stores across Bangladesh will be allowed to remain open until 10pm, instead of the current 7pm closing time, from 12 May until Eid al-Adha to facilitate Eid shopping.

The information was confirmed to The Business Standard today (7 May) by Helal Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association, citing Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku.

Speaking to TBS, Helal said the minister had informed him that shops would be permitted to stay open until 10pm.

He added, "We had been saying for the last two days that if traders are not informed in advance, they will not be able to prepare properly. They may avoid purchasing or displaying goods if they think stores must close by 6pm or 7pm."

"In that case, business would suffer and the Eid market would not pick up properly." 

Helal said the minister assured him he would discuss the matter with the prime minister before making a final decision.

"Today, he called and confirmed that shops can remain open until 10pm. However, decorative lighting and excessive illumination will not be allowed," he added.

Meanwhile, Md Arifur Rahman Tipu, general secretary of the Bangladesh Shop Business Owners' Association, told TBS that their president had also been informed of the decision.

"However, the government has not yet issued any formal directive. Once the instruction is issued, it will be beneficial both for the country and for traders," Arifur said.