Shops’ closing time extended by an hour to 7pm

The government on Sunday extended the closing time for markets and shopping malls by one hour to 7:00 PM following requests from the traders.
Earlier on Thursday, the cabinet meeting decided, among others, that shops and markets must shut by 6:0pm from Friday as part of its austerity measures in the face of the energy crisis amid the ongoing Mideast war.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit made the disclosure to the media at Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
The decision came after the business leaders urged the government to reconsider the decision, citing concerns over their reduced sales and income.
Representatives of the Bangladesh Shopkeepers' Association also called for allowing shops and markets to open at 11:00 am instead of 9:00 am, while extending closing time to 8:00 pm.
Meanwhile, while visiting different areas the FE correspondent found that markets and shopping malls at Purana Paltan, Naya Paltan and Motijheel were closed by 7:00 pm.
Gazi Bhaban Shopping Centre, Jonaki Super Market and Paltan China Town shopping mall were also shut within the government-set deadline.
However, some traders of makeshift shops on footpaths at Baitual Mukarram, Gulistan and Paltan areas were seen open even after 7:0 pm on the day.
The traders, however, said they would comply with the government directives accordingly from Monday (today).

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com