In a move to balance national energy conservation with the economic vitality of the retail sector, the Government of Bangladesh has announced a revision to the operating hours for shops and shopping malls. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, confirmed on Sunday that retail establishments may now remain open until 7:00 pm, extending the previously mandated 6:00 pm curfew by one hour.
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A Conflict of Interests: Energy vs. Commerce
The initial directive to shutter businesses by 6:00 pm was a response to the escalating global energy crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. These geopolitical tensions have significantly disrupted fuel supplies, forcing the government to implement stringent austerity measures to safeguard the national grid.
However, the prospect of a 6:00 pm closure met with immediate concern from the business community. Leaders from the Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association argued that such an early shutdown would be catastrophic for livelihoods already strained by inflation. During a high-level meeting at Bidyut Bhaban with Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, association representatives proposed a compromise: delaying the morning opening time to 11:00 am in exchange for staying open until 8:00 pm.
The Prime Minister’s Intervention
While the Cabinet had originally formalised the 6:00 pm limit, State Minister Amit revealed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally intervened following the appeal from trade leaders.
“The Prime Minister has graciously considered the plight of the shop owners and the overall economic landscape,” Amit stated during a press briefing at the Secretariat. “While we must remain vigilant regarding our energy reserves, we cannot ignore the necessity of supporting our traders and the public’s access to essential goods.”
New Operational Guidelines
The compromise aims to mitigate the impact of the energy shortfall while ensuring that the retail cycle—a cornerstone of the urban economy—is not entirely stifled. The revised schedule is as follows:
| Feature | Original Cabinet Decision | Revised Directive |
| Closing Time | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
| Primary Driver | Severe Fuel Shortage | Economic Sustainability |
| Effective Date | This Sunday | Immediate Effect |
| Key Stakeholders | Ministry of Energy | Shop Owners’ Association |
Looking Ahead
The government has urged shop owners to adhere strictly to the new 7:00 pm limit and to be mindful of unnecessary electricity consumption, such as decorative lighting. As the Middle Eastern situation remains volatile, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources will continue to monitor fuel stocks closely. For now, this extra hour represents a vital lifeline for thousands of small businesses across the country.