Shop owners' association demands solar panels at markets, shopping centres

The Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity has demanded the installation of solar power panels at all markets and shopping centres in the country to keep businesses afloat amid the power crisis. The demand was made at a press conference organised at the organisation's own office in Maghbazar in the capital on Thursday.

Shop owners said although there is a mandatory requirement to close shops by 8pm, load-shedding begins in various areas from the evening. As a result, small and medium traders are facing financial losses.

They also said low-interest loans and government support are urgently needed to install solar power panels at markets and shopping centres to tackle the power crisis. At the same time, shop owners demanded the introduction of a regular servicing system and the formation of a regulatory board to ensure quality solar panels.

The Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity also demanded the withdrawal of the mandatory requirement to close shops by 8pm, alongside tackling the power crisis through the installation of solar panels within the next six months.