The government has decided to extend the operating hours of shops and shopping malls until 7:00 pm, responding to requests from business owners.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced the decision while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, April 5.

Earlier, on April 2, the cabinet had ordered all shops and shopping malls to close by 6:00 pm as part of measures to address the ongoing energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

However, business leaders later urged the government to reconsider the decision, citing concerns over reduced sales and income.

Representatives of the Bangladesh Shopkeepers’ Association also proposed allowing shops to open at 11:00 am instead of 9:00 am, while extending closing time to 8:00 pm.