Shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh will remain open until 10pm during the Durga Puja festival, according to a government notice.
The Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said the extended opening hours will apply from October 22, allowing businesses to remain open from 11am to 10pm.
From October 23, the regular schedule will resume, with shops, markets and shopping malls remaining open from 11am to 8pm, according to the notice issued on Sunday.
The decision was taken ahead of the Hindu community’s biggest religious festival, Durga Puja, to facilitate shopping and commercial activities during the festive period.
The notice was signed by Sonia Binote Tabir, deputy secretary of the Power Division, on October 5.
Copies of the directive were sent to mayors and administrators of city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, among other relevant authorities.
The directive also instructed concerned officials and organisations to take necessary measures to implement the revised opening hours.