The government has extended operating hours for markets, shopping malls and shops across the country until 10pm from 12 May until Eid-ul-Azha, the Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association said in a press release on Thursday.
The decision comes in response to an application submitted by the association on 4 May to the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, requesting that shops and markets remain open until 11pm instead of the usual 7pm.
On Thursday, the minister informed Association President Md Helal Uddin that the operating hours have been extended until 10pm from 12 May until the day of Eid-ul-Azha, according to the press release.
However, the government has imposed restrictions on electricity usage during the extended hours. No lighting decorations or excessive electricity consumption will be allowed in markets, shopping malls and shops during this period, the association confirmed.
The extended hours are expected to facilitate Eid shopping for consumers, while business owners have welcomed the move as an opportunity to boost sales ahead of the festival.
