The government has set new operating hours for shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh to conserve electricity and promote restrained fuel use. A directive was issued on Wednesday night by the Coordination-2 branch of the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Under the decision, the establishments may remain open from 11am until 8pm.

The previous government decision had allowed shopping malls, markets and shops to stay open until 9pm. The new directive also requires illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7pm and orders all decorative lighting to be turned off. Relevant parties were instructed to take effective measures against unnecessary lighting and wastage of electricity.

The decision applies as well to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural events in different parts of the country. Organizers have been directed to make arrangements to end such events by 8pm. Restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies are exempted from the time restriction in consideration of the public’s emergency needs and may continue their operations as required.