Government directs shops, malls to switch off decorative lights to cut power use

AC in malls and shops must be set at 25°C or higher, a media release says

In a bid to save power, the government has ordered all stores and shopping malls to turn off external decorative lighting ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr amid fuel supply crisis with the conflict in the Middle East raging.

The decision came during a meeting at the Power Division, presided over by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit.

According to the ministry, the initiative aims to tackle the ongoing energy crisis.

The meeting decided that all ornamental or decorative lighting outside business establishments must remain switched off.

Air conditioning systems in malls and shops must be set to a minimum temperature of 25°C or higher.

Illuminated signboards and neon displays must be turned off immediately after the shop closes for the day.

The meeting saw participation from top leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and different shop owners' associations.

The business representatives expressed their support for the measures, pledging to cooperate with the government to ensure the directives are implemented across the capital and beyond.