B Mirror Report: The government has revised its earlier decision on shop closing hours, allowing shopping malls, markets, and retail stores to remain open until 7:00pm one hour later than previously announced.

The update was confirmed on Sunday by the Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association following consultations with authorities.

Earlier, amid a fuel and energy crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the cabinet had decided on Thursday night (April 2) that all shopping malls and stores would close by 6:00pm as part of energy-saving measures.

However, business leaders urged the government to reconsider the directive, requesting permission to operate until 8:00pm.

Responding to the appeal, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday that the revised decision was made under the Prime Minister’s instruction.

“From today, shopping malls will close by 7:00pm instead of 6:00pm,” he said, adding that the change came in response to requests from traders’ associations.

The move aims to strike a balance between conserving energy and supporting business activities during the ongoing economic pressures.