Shops, malls to shut by 8pm nationwide

Bangladesh shop owners have decided to close all stores, retail outlets and shopping malls by 8pm to help the government save electricity and fuel amid an international energy shortage.

The decision came through a media statement from the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association on Thursday, following a joint meeting of its standing committee and the Dhaka Metropolitan Shop Owners Association.

The move is aimed at supporting government efforts to conserve electricity and fuel during the ongoing global energy crisis, the statement said.

Hotels, pharmacies, shops providing essential services and kitchen markets will be exempt from the early closing rule, ensuring critical services remain accessible to the public, it added.