Malls, markets to close by 8pm

Amid an ongoing power crisis, the government has tightened electricity conservation measures, ordering shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh to close by 8:00pm from today.

Under a directive issued by the Power Division, shops and markets will be allowed to operate from 11:00am to 8:00pm, one hour shorter than the previous closing time of 9:00pm.

The new restrictions are aimed at reducing electricity consumption as the country continues to face a power shortage. The directive also requires all illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7:00pm, while decorative lighting must remain switched off at all times.

The restrictions will also cover ongoing and upcoming fairs and cultural programmes across the country, which must conclude by 8:00pm.

Restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies will remain exempt from the new restrictions.

The measures come as the government seeks to manage electricity demand and ease pressure on the power system amid the continuing energy crisis.