Shopping Malls and Retail Stores Allowed to Stay Open Until 9 PM Nationwide

The government has extended the operating hours of shopping malls, retail stores, and commercial outlets across Bangladesh following requests from business owners. Under the new directive, establishments will be allowed to remain open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, effective immediately from Thursday (June 11).

The announcement was confirmed by the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association through a press release issued on Thursday afternoon. According to the association, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud informed Association President Md. Helal Uddin of the decision during a telephone conversation.

Business leaders welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the extended hours would help revive sales and ease pressure on retailers. The association also thanked Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and the Energy Ministry for responding to the concerns of traders.

Earlier this year, the government introduced energy-saving measures amid a global fuel crisis triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East. As part of those measures, shopping malls and retail outlets were initially ordered to close by 6:00 PM from April 2.

Following discussions with business representatives, the closing time was later extended to 7:00 PM. During the Eid-ul-Azha season, stores were temporarily permitted to remain open until 10:00 PM to accommodate increased consumer demand.

With the latest revision, shopping malls, markets, and retail businesses nationwide will now be allowed to operate until 9:00 PM every day.