The Government of Bangladesh has reissued a directive mandating all shops, shopping malls, and commercial markets across the country to conclude their daily operations by 7:00 pm. This operational restriction has been reinstated as part of an intensified national campaign to conserve electricity.
According to an official notification issued on Monday by the Coordination-2 Branch of the Power Division, the strict daily curfew also applies to all forms of commercial billboard illumination, which must be switched off by 7:00 pm. Furthermore, any ongoing or scheduled public fairs, trade expos, and cultural events nationwide must conclude within the same timeframe.
Reversal of Temporary Festive Concessions
The directive, which was dispatched directly to divisional commissioners, district administrators (Deputy Commissioners), and the mayors and administrators of all city corporations, revokes a temporary relaxation of trading hours. Previously, in accordance with prime ministerial instructions aimed at energy conservation, a 7:00 pm closing time had been established as the national standard.
However, this restriction was temporarily extended until 10:00 pm to accommodate public trading and consumer activity during the Holy Eid al-Adha festival. With the conclusion of the designated holiday period, the Power Division announced that the original, restrictive operating window has been formally reinstated with effect from 1 June. Consequently, all commercial establishments must shift their closing times back from 10:00 pm to the mandatory 7:00 pm deadline.
Restructured Operating Framework for Public Activities
The following table details the changes in operating hours and illumination guidelines across different commercial and public activities following the new directive:
| Activity / Sector | Temporary Festive Hours | Reinstated Standard Hours | Enforcement Effective Date |
| Retail Shops & Shopping Malls | Open until 10:00 pm | Must close by 7:00 pm | 1 June |
| Commercial Billboards | Unrestricted night lighting | Must be switched off by 7:00 pm | 1 June |
| Fairs, Trade Expos & Cultural Events | Extended evening schedules | Must conclude by 7:00 pm | 1 June |
Administration and Enforcement Directives
The Power Division has called upon all relevant administrative and law enforcement authorities to take immediate and necessary steps to ensure comprehensive compliance with these regulations. Local administrators across all administrative divisions have been instructed to monitor their respective jurisdictions and enforce penalties for any breaches of the closing times or lighting restrictions.