Shops to stay open until 10 PM from May 12 for Eid

Shops and shopping malls across the country will remain open until 10 pm from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha, instead of the previous 7 pm deadline, according to the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association.

The announcement was confirmed on Thursday by the association’s president, Helal Uddin, citing a decision communicated through Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood (Tuku).

He said the decision was taken to facilitate Eid shopping, allowing businesses more time for sales during the peak season.

Helal Uddin said traders had earlier expressed concern that early closing hours would reduce sales and affect market activity ahead of Eid.

He added that the extension would help ensure a better shopping environment and allow shop owners to properly prepare and run their businesses.

However, he said no decorative lighting or excessive additional lights will be allowed during the extended hours.

According to him, the minister informed that the decision was taken after consultation with the Prime Minister, and later confirmed over the phone that shops may remain open until 10 pm, with the condition of maintaining restrictions on lighting and decorations.