Shop owners have urged the government to allow shopping centres and retail outlets to remain open until 9pm in the run-up to Eid-ul-Adha, warning that the current 7pm closing rule is hurting business.
The government recently imposed earlier closing hours in a bid to manage an ongoing energy shortage linked to global fuel supply disruptions. However, traders say the restriction is affecting sales during the peak festive period.
In a statement on Sunday, the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association said it had submitted a formal আবেদন to Iqbal Hasan Mahmud of the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.
The statement, signed by its president, Md Nazmul Hasan Mahmud, and general secretary, Md Arifur Rahman, said thousands of businesses were already facing financial losses due to reduced trading hours.
It said most customers prefer to shop after office hours, meaning a 7pm closure significantly reduces sales and disrupts business operations.
Small and medium-sized enterprises, including clothing retailers and independent shopkeepers, are among the hardest hit. The association warned that prolonged restrictions could force many businesses to close.
It also cautioned that declining sales could reduce government revenue from taxes and duties, with wider economic consequences.
The association said traders were willing to comply with government policies and support energy-saving measures. It proposed opening shops at 11am instead of 9am to help cut electricity use while allowing more time for evening trade.
Shop owners expressed hope that the government would consider their request in light of increased consumer demand ahead of the religious festival.