Online Desk

Business activity across Bangladesh—especially in Dhaka—has been significantly affected after government-imposed early closures of shops and shopping malls to manage the ongoing energy crisis. Traders say their sales have dropped by 50% due to reduced operating hours and are now calling for a revised schedule.

Under current rules, businesses must close by 7:00 PM. However, traders argue that this timing is ineffective, as a major portion of daily sales typically occurs after. According to their estimates, nearly 60% of total sales take place between evening and.

To address the issue, business owners have proposed a new schedule: opening shops from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. They believe this adjustment would help maintain energy savings while minimizing financial losses.

Entrepreneurs in sectors such as footwear and clothing warn that prolonged restrictions could make it difficult to pay employee wages, shop rent, and other operational costs. They also fear a decline in government VAT revenue.

According to traders’ associations, there are around 7 million shops and business establishments in the country, supporting millions of livelihoods. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics shows that wholesale and retail trade contribute about 15% to the national GDP.

Meanwhile, implementation of the directive has been inconsistent. In some areas, shops have remained open beyond the time, although customer turnout has been low.

Experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach. Centre for Policy Dialogue Research Director Khandaker Golam Moazzem suggests monitoring the effectiveness of the current schedule and, if necessary, introducing a trial run of revised hours.

Overall, traders that the government will consider their proposal and adopt a solution that ensures both energy conservation and continuity of economic activities.