Aiming at saving power and energy against the backdrop of worldwide continued price hike of power and energy, the government has decided to keep all shops, shopping malls, markets and kitchen markets across the country shut after 8:00pm every day.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself on Thursday asked all concerned to take necessary measures to shut shops, shopping malls, markets and kitchen markets across the country after 8:00pm every day.
The instruction was given on Thursday through a circular signed by Director General (Administration) Md Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui of the Prime Minister’s office.
The notification mentioned that the intention was to save power and energy against the backdrop of worldwide continued price hike of the same.
Secretaries of ministries and divisions concerned such as public security division, commerce ministry, energy and mineral resources division, local government division, power division, industries ministry, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, all the divisional commissioners, deputy inspector generals of police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all divisions and districts have been asked to execute the order strictly in line with section 114 of the Bangladesh Labour Law-2006.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh had earlier in June disclosed the plan of the government about the closure of all the shops, shopping malls, markets and kitchen markets in capital Dhaka from 8:00pm.
“Every other city in the world has a specific time to close its operations. However, Dhaka still does not have a set time. Our city needs rest too,” he told the media.
He was speaking at a seminar held at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Nature will regain its beauty if the city is given a chance to rest at night, he said before adding: “We will not only enjoy our work, we will also be able to enjoy Dhaka again.”
He noted that this initiative would further play a vital role in mitigating the risks of climate change.
But, Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity (Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association) claimed that the government did not talk to them before making such a decision.
"Although there is a provision under the existing law that employees will work from 10:00am to 8:00pm, we never followed it on reasonable grounds."
Helal added that as the government made the decision to save energy and power following soaring prices of oil and energy across the globe due to the Russia-Ukraine war, they have no alternative but to abide by the decision.
He, however, said some 16 to 18 lakh people are involved with small businesses in the capital.
"Under this consideration, we will request Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to give us permission to keep shops open from 12:00 noon to 9:00pm."