Bangladesh Shop Business Owners’ Association has directed all shops, commercial establishments, and shopping malls nationwide, including in Dhaka, to close by 8:00pm to support government efforts amid the global energy crisis.
The decision came on Thursday after a joint meeting of the standing committees of the Bangladesh Shop Business Owners’ Association and the Dhaka Metropolitan Shop Business Owners Association.
The measure aims to conserve electricity and fuel as international energy markets face mounting instability.
Under the directive, the 8:00pm curfew applies to all general retail outlets and malls. Essential services, however, are exempt.
Hotels, pharmacies, and kitchen markets (wet markets) providing daily necessities will remain open past the curfew to serve the public.
Md Nazmul Hasan Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Shop Business Owners’ Association, and General Secretary Md Arifur Rahman Tipu jointly signed the announcement, urging business owners to comply and help strengthen national energy security.
Local business leaders acknowledged that early closures might affect sales but said the step is a necessary sacrifice to prevent severe power shortages in the coming months.
