Owners ask government to allow shops, malls to remain open from 11am-8pm

The Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association has urged the government to reconsider its decision requiring shops, markets, and shopping malls to close after 6pm.

The government’s move is part of energy-saving measures aimed at coping with rising fuel and electricity demands amid the Gulf conflict.

After a meeting on Friday, the group requested the prime minister to allow stores to open at 11am instead of 9am and remain operational until 8pm.

The association highlighted that schedules should take into account 70 million shop owners and businesspeople and 250 million employees nationwide.

It was signed by association President Md Nazmul Hasan Mahmud and General Secretary Md Arifur Rahman Tipu.

Following a cabinet meeting Thursday night, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani told reporters that government and private offices will operate from 9am to 4pm, and banks from 9am to 3pm.

All shops, markets, and malls must close after 6pm, though exceptions apply for fresh markets, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, and emergency services.

Authorities cited uncertainties in fuel supply caused by the Middle East conflict and rising electricity demand as the reason for the restrictions.

The association had previously suggested closing by 8pm, but the government’s 6pm limit has prompted objections from business communities.