The global energy shortage has triggered a severe power crisis in Bangladesh, prompting the government to take dramatic steps to conserve electricity. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has issued fresh nationwide orders curtailing the operating hours of shopping malls, markets, and small shops.
Under the new directive, all shopping malls, markets, and businesses across Bangladesh must now remain open only between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm. The government made clear that no shop can remain open beyond 8:00 pm. Previously, businesses were permitted to operate until 9:00 pm, but in view of the worsening power shortage, the new order has been brought into immediate effect.
Beyond restricting business hours, authorities have imposed several other strict measures to cut electricity consumption. Illuminated advertisement boards and decorative lighting on roads and outside shops must be switched off completely by 7:00 pm. These rules also apply to exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events held across the country. To avoid inconveniencing the public, however, hospitals, medical stores, hotels, food courts, and emergency services have been exempted from these restrictions.
Officials say the ongoing war in the Middle East is behind the crisis. The conflict has disrupted energy supplies in the global market, placing a heavy burden on power generation. The new rules are expected to remain in force until the war in the Middle East ends and the energy situation eases.