Shops to remain open until 7pm as govt revises earlier closure deadline

The government has revised its earlier decision to close all shops and shopping malls by 6pm, allowing businesses across the country to operate until 7pm instead.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit told reporters at his Secretariat office today (5 April), "Shop owners requested that businesses be allowed to remain open until at least 7pm.

"Although the cabinet had initially decided on a 6pm closure, the prime minister reconsidered the matter in light of their request. Shops can now remain open until 7pm."

The earlier directive, issued in response to the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran in the Middle East, was scheduled to take effect from today. 

However, the government reconsidered the move following requests from business leaders.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Shopkeepers' Association had urged the government to relax the restriction, citing concerns over business losses due to reduced trading hours. They had also sought permission to keep shops open until 8pm.

The request was conveyed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, prompting a review of the decision.

A meeting between shop owners' representatives and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood was held at Bidyut Bhaban in the capital yesterday to discuss the issue.

During the meeting, business leaders proposed adjusting opening hours if necessary, suggesting shops could open at 11am instead of 9am, but stressed the need to extend operations into the evening.