The Bangladesh government has once again ordered all shopping malls, markets and retail shops across the country to close by 7pm as part of renewed efforts to reduce electricity consumption amid mounting pressure on the power sector.
Under the directive, issued on Monday by the Power Division following instructions from the Prime Minister, illuminated billboards must also be switched off by 7pm, while trade fairs, exhibitions and cultural events will be required to end within the same timeframe.
The order has been sent to mayors and administrators of all city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners for immediate implementation.
According to the Power Division, the early closure policy had previously been enforced as part of a nationwide energy-saving campaign. However, the restriction was temporarily relaxed during the Eid-ul-Azha festival period, allowing shopping centres and businesses to remain open until 10pm to facilitate holiday commerce.
With the expiry of that temporary arrangement, the government said the earlier restrictions have been reinstated from 1 June. As a result, all shopping malls, markets and retail outlets must now cease operations by 7pm instead of 10pm.
The latest directive also requires all illuminated advertising billboards to be turned off by 7pm in a bid to curb non-essential electricity use.
In addition, fairs, trade exhibitions and cultural programmes taking place across the country must conclude by the same deadline.
The Power Division urged all relevant administrative authorities to take necessary steps to ensure strict enforcement of the measures.
Bangladesh has been struggling with persistent pressure on its energy sector due to rising fuel import costs, increased summer electricity demand and concerns over power supply stability. The government has repeatedly introduced energy-saving measures over the past several years to reduce strain on the national grid.
Decade-Old Power Management Committees to Be Reactivated
The Bangladesh government has decided to reactivate district- and upazila-level power management coordination committees as part of efforts to conserve electricity nationwide, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said.
“Previously, the power management coordination committees at the district and upazila levels had become inactive. We want to make them active again to conserve electricity,” the state minister said.
He added that the ministry would issue separate letters to deputy commissioners (DCs) in all districts regarding the move.
The then Awami League government formed the committees in 2012 and later reviewed their functions in 2020.