The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in Bangladesh has issued a new directive requiring shopping centers and retail markets to restrict their operating hours. Under the new policy, businesses are permitted to remain open only between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

This decision is part of a broader government strategy to manage the country's energy supply. By limiting the hours that large commercial spaces can draw power for lighting and climate control, officials aim to conserve electricity and alleviate pressure on the national grid. The move comes as Bangladesh continues to navigate challenges related to energy production and distribution, which have necessitated various conservation efforts across the public and private sectors.

While the government has framed this as a necessary step for national energy stability, the policy directly impacts the daily operations of the retail sector. Business owners and employees will now be required to adjust their schedules to comply with the new window of operation. The government has not yet specified how strictly these hours will be enforced or what penalties, if any, will be applied to businesses that remain open past the 8:00 PM deadline.