The government has once again directed all shopping malls, markets and shops across the country to close by 7pm as part of efforts to strengthen electricity-saving measures.
At the same time, the illumination of all billboards must be switched off by 7pm. Ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural programmes must also conclude by that time. The directive took effect on Monday.
The instruction was issued on Monday by the Coordination-2 Branch of the Power Division and sent to the mayors and administrators of all city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners across the country.
According to the order, a previous directive issued under the Prime Minister’s instruction required shopping malls, markets and shops to remain open only until 7pm to conserve electricity.
However, the closing time was temporarily extended to 10pm to facilitate business activities ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha.
The new directive states that, as the special Eid concession has expired, the previous decision has been reinstated from June 1. As a result, all shopping malls, markets and shops must end their operations by 7pm instead of 10pm.
The order further states that, to ensure energy conservation, lights on all types of billboards must be switched off by 7pm. The same deadline will apply to fairs, trade fairs and cultural events being held across the country.
The Power Division has requested all relevant administrative authorities to take the necessary steps to implement the directive.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
