Shops to close by 8pm to save electricity amid ongoing crisis

To address the ongoing power crisis and conserve electricity across the country, the government has ordered that all shopping malls, markets, and shops must close by 8pm. Additionally, directives have been issued to shut down all illuminated billboards by 7pm and completely prohibit all forms of decorative lighting.

The Power Division's Coordination-2 branch issued a notification to this effect on Wednesday (August 12). According to the new directive, effective from August 12, shopping malls, markets, and shops are permitted to remain open from 11am to 8am.

Signed by Deputy Secretary of the Power Division Md. Mamun Bhuiyan, the letter states that all ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs, and cultural events across the country must also conclude by 8pm.

The directive further mandates that all illuminated billboards must be turned off by 7pm, alongside a strict ban on decorative lighting. However, eateries, hospitals, and pharmacies will remain exempt from these restrictions.

Previously, shops and shopping malls were permitted to stay open until 9pm, a rule that had been in effect since June 11. Due to the worsening power crisis, the closing time has now been brought forward by another hour to 8pm.

The Power Division's decision primarily stems from the ongoing national energy and power shortage. With electricity generation disrupted by gas supply constraints, various regions across the country have recently experienced prolonged periods of load-shedding.

Earlier, amid a global fuel crunch triggered by conflict in the Middle East, the cabinet had decided on April 2 to close all shops and shopping malls by 6pm, a limit later extended to 7pm following appeals from business owners. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, businesses were granted permission to keep establishments open until 10pm starting May 12, which was subsequently adjusted to 9pm following the holiday on June 12.

With the latest revision, shop closing times have now been advanced to 8pm in an intensified effort to save power.