Government extends shopping hours until 10pm for Eid-ul-Azha

New timings take effect from May 12 to facilitate seasonal shoppers

The government has allowed shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh to remain open until 10pm before Eid-ul-Azha.

The Power Division issued a letter to the cabinet secretary on Tuesday, confirming that the closing time has been extended from the existing 7pm to 10pm for public convenience.

According to the letter, shopping malls, markets and shops will be allowed to operate until 10pm instead of the usual 7pm from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha for public convenience.

The letter, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md Masudur Rahman Masud said the new timings are effective from May 12 until Eid to facilitate seasonal shoppers.

Cabinet Division has been asked to take necessary measures to issue directives to all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to implement the decision.

Copies of the order have been sent to the principal secretary to the prime minister, the chairmen of the Power Development Board and Rural Electrification Board, and the managing directors of all power distribution companies, including DPDC, DESCO, WZPDCO, and NESCO.

Trade bodies and major shopping centres, including the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, Dhaka Shop Owners Association, Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, and Jamuna Future Park, have also been notified of the extension.