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Published : 05 Apr 2026, 06:14 PM
A government push to conserve electricity amid a fuel crunch has collided with the reality of Dhaka’s retail economy, where traders say the clock -- not consumption -- has been targeted, putting their busiest hours at risk.
As part of emergency measures driven by tensions in the Middle East, offices across Bangladesh began observing reduced hours from Sunday, operating between 9am and 4pm.
The plan also introduced limits on shop timings, but its application has left many traders uncertain.
Across neighbourhoods, small shopkeepers say they are unclear whether the directive applies to them.
Grocery stores, laundries and salons report receiving no formal instructions, leaving them to rely on assumptions.
Many have called for clearer communication through public announcements or law enforcement outreach to prevent confusion.
The uncertainty contrasts with reactions from large shopping malls, where traders argue the policy is flawed in practice.
Shopkeepers say electricity consumption remains constant because lighting and air conditioning must run throughout operating hours, regardless of when doors open or close.
As a result, they warn that early evening shutdowns will not reduce energy use but will instead eliminate peak trading hours, when most customers arrive after work.
These concerns were echoed by traders in Nayapaltan, Motijheel, Segun Bagicha, Capital Super Market and Jatrabari.
The cabinet approved the measures on Thursday night, initially setting a 6pm closing time for markets.
Following appeals from shop owners’ associations, the government later extended the deadline to 7pm, according to State Minister for Power Aninda Islam Amit.
Even so, confusion persists at the ground level.
“I’m confused,” said Saddam Sinha, owner of G-Mart in Arambagh. “Food outlets can remain open, but I sell food ingredients. I don’t know which category I fall under. We don’t have any association to guide us.”
Others believe the restrictions were intended only for large malls.
“This seems meant for big shopping centres,” said Jamal Talukdar, a plastic goods seller in Jatrabari. “We are local traders. If we close at 6pm, our sales will collapse.”
For many small businesses, evenings are critical. Shopkeepers say customers typically shop after office hours, making early closure financially damaging.
“People come after work,” said Shimul Das, who runs a men’s salon in Motijheel. “If everyone follows the rule, we will too -- but mornings bring little business.”
Mall traders also questioned the logic of fixed hours.
“Inside a shopping mall, you can’t tell whether it’s day or night,” said Nahid Islam, owner of a cosmetics shop in China Town. “The same number of lights and air conditioners run all day.”
Some suggested an alternative approach: Open later in the morning and stay open longer into the evening.
“Sales have not picked up even after Eid,” said Mahidul Islam of Labib Fashion. “If we lose evening hours, we will face losses.”
With official messaging reaching organised malls but not smaller stores, traders warn that without clearer guidance, the policy risks confusion -- and unintended economic fallout.
