The Government of Bangladesh has announced a nationwide directive requiring all shops, shopping malls, markets, and kitchen markets to close by 8:00 pm daily, as part of an urgent energy-saving strategy amid rising global fuel and power prices.
The decision was issued on Monday through an official circular signed by Md Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui, Director General (Administration) at the Prime Minister’s Office, following direct instructions from Sheikh Hasina. The move reflects the government’s effort to manage electricity consumption more efficiently during a period of sustained global energy volatility.
According to the notification, the order applies uniformly across the country and must be implemented without exception. Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance in line with Section 114 of the Bangladesh Labour Law, 2006, which regulates working hours and operational standards for commercial establishments.
The government has cited the global surge in fuel and energy prices—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions—as the primary reason behind the measure. Bangladesh, like many energy-importing countries, has been under pressure to balance demand with constrained supply while protecting foreign exchange reserves and maintaining grid stability.
To enforce the directive, a wide range of administrative and law enforcement bodies have been mobilised. Secretaries of relevant ministries and divisions—including the Public Security Division, Commerce Ministry, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Local Government Division, Power Division, and Industries Ministry—have been instructed to coordinate implementation. Field-level enforcement will be overseen by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, deputy inspectors general of police, and superintendents of police across all districts.
Officials indicated that the early closure policy is expected to significantly reduce evening peak-hour electricity demand, particularly from commercial lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Kitchen markets, which typically operate late into the night, have also been included due to their high cumulative energy use nationwide.
While business groups have expressed concern about potential impacts on evening sales—especially for small traders—the government maintains that the measure is temporary and necessary to safeguard national energy security. Authorities have also urged business owners and consumers to adopt additional conservation practices, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and limiting non-essential electricity consumption.
Key Features of the New Directive
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing time | 8:00 pm daily |
| Applies to | Shops, shopping malls, markets, kitchen markets |
| Legal basis | Section 114, Bangladesh Labour Law 2006 |
| Issuing authority | Prime Minister’s Office |
| Enforcement agencies | Civil administration, police, relevant ministries |
| Objective | Power and energy conservation |
The government has warned that non-compliance may result in legal action, signalling a firm stance on enforcement. As the global energy situation remains uncertain, further conservation measures may be introduced if required.
For now, officials emphasise that public cooperation is essential to ensure uninterrupted power supply and long-term economic stability.