The government has decided to close shops, shopping malls, stores and kitchen markets across the country after 8pm from tomorrow (Monday).

State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian made the announcement following a meeting held at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday.

However, about the traders’ demand to keep markets open till 10pm from 1-10 July before Eid-ul-Adha, the state minister said she would apprise Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about this demand.

“The proposal of the traders will be sent to the PM’s office for approval on whether the two hours will be extended. If we get any permission regarding this proposal then we would let it know all,” said Monnujan .

Businessmen in a meeting of FBCCI on Saturday, urged the government to postpone the decision of the closure of shops, shopping malls, markets, and kitchen markets after 8 pm till the Eid-ul-Adha.

They alleged that they are deprived of the full-scale festival centric sale due to 2-year long Covid-19 pandemic and thus incurred huge losses.

Businessmen said that re-breathing with the help of timely incentive packages, businessmen are working relentlessly to revive the economy. Amid the situation, if the sales close after 8 pm, the process of revival will be stumbled.

Earlier, on June 16, a letter issued from Prime Minister’s Office said that the Prime Minister has directed to take necessary steps to save electricity and energy.

“It is requested to take necessary steps to ensure that shops, shopping malls, markets, stores, kitchen markets etc. are not kept open in the country after 8 pm in compliance with the provisions of Section 114 of Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006,” said the letter.