The government of Bangladesh has issued a set of directives for shopping malls and business establishments to conserve electricity.
The guidelines were announced following a meeting on electricity and energy conservation at Bidyut Bhaban in the capital on Sunday.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit presided over the meeting.
Representatives from several business associations, including Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samiti, Bangladesh Dokan Byabosayee Malik Samiti, Dhaka Mahanagar Dokan Byabosayee Malik Samiti, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry attended the meeting.
Key measures outlined include switching off decorative lighting outside all malls and commercial establishments and ensuring that air-conditioning systems are set at 25 degrees Celsius or higher. Additionally, lights on shop signboards must be turned off immediately after closing hours.
Officials said the government expects businesses to fully comply with the directives to help reduce electricity consumption amid rising energy demands. The move is part of a broader initiative to promote energy efficiency and maintain stable power supply for all sectors of the economy.
The energy ministry emphasised that adopting these measures would contribute to long-term sustainability while also helping commercial operators reduce electricity bills during peak usage periods.
