BD shopping malls to stay open till 10pm ahead of Eid

The government has decided to extend shopping hours across Bangladesh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, allowing markets, shopping malls and retail outlets to remain open until 10pm from 12 May to support increased festive trade activities.

The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin after receiving formal approval from the authorities. Business leaders had requested extended operating hours considering the heavy rush of shoppers typically seen before Eid.

Previously, commercial establishments were instructed to close by 7pm under a nationwide energy conservation initiative aimed at reducing electricity consumption. Although traders had sought permission to keep businesses open until 11pm starting from 10 May, the government approved an extension up to 10pm instead.

According to business leaders, the current electricity supply and load-shedding situation has improved significantly compared to previous months, creating room for relaxed operating hours during the busy Eid shopping period.

The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association also assured the government that traders would cooperate in energy-saving efforts despite the extension. As part of that commitment, markets and shopping centres across the country will remain closed for seven days after the Eid holidays.

In a video message, Md Helal Uddin urged shop owners and traders to strictly follow the approved schedule and avoid excessive decorative lighting in markets and shopping malls to help conserve electricity.

The move is expected to benefit both consumers and businesses by easing shopping congestion and boosting commercial activity ahead of one of the country’s biggest religious festivals.