Shopping malls, markets must close by 8pm

The government has decided to close all shopping malls, markets and shops across the country by 8pm as part of measures to save electricity. 

At the same time, all illuminated billboards must be switched off by 7pm.

The government has also ordered that all kinds of decorative lighting remain switched off.

The directive issued by the Power Division came hours after State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit said that the country’s power situation was expected to improve somewhat from Wednesday evening.

According to the directive, the new schedule would take effect from Wednesday.

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Previously, a government decision allowing shopping malls, markets and shops to remain open until 9pm had been in effect since 11 June.

Under the new decision, these establishments can remain open from 11am to 8pm.

In addition, the directive will apply to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural programmes in different parts of the country, as these events must also end by 8pm.

However, certain establishments, including food shops, hospitals and pharmacies, will remain exempt from the directive.

The Power Division has instructed the relevant authorities, including city corporation mayors or administrators, to take necessary measures to implement the government’s decision.