Bangladesh: After Bakrid 2026, Tarique Rahman reinstates 7 p.m. closure for markets, shopping malls to save electricity

The Tarique Rahman-led government has again ordered all shops, marks and shopping malls across Bangladesh to close operations by 7 p.m. (local time) as part of its intensified measures to save electricity.

This comes after the Bangladeshi government had temporarily extended the closing tome to 10 p.m. during the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.

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As the relaxation period during Bakrid came to an end, the government has now reinstated the earlier schedule. A directive in this regard was issued on Monday, June 1, by the Coordination-2 branch of the Power Division.

The same has been forwarded to all city corporation mayors and administrators, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners, Dhaka Tribune reported.

As per the order, the government had enforced the 7 p.m. closing time in line with instructions from Tarique Rahman aimed at conserving electricity. However, the government had relaxed it during the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations to support commercial activities and boost sales.

After the expiry of the temporary relaxation, the previous schedule has once again been restored from June 1. Accordingly, all the markets, shops and shopping malls have been asked to shut operation by 7 p.m.

Apart from this, the Bangladeshi government has even ordered to switch off all types of billboard lighting by 7 p.m. to ensure energy savings. Similar restrictions have been put in place for fairs, trade exhibitions, and cultural programmes across the country.