To facilitate festival shopping and bolster commercial activity ahead of the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja, the government has authorized all shopping malls, markets, and retail shops across the country to remain open until 10:00 PM. The directive was issued in an official circular by the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Monday (October 5, 2026).
While earlier energy-saving regulations mandated commercial establishments to close by 8:00 PM, this temporary relaxation reflects the economic significance of the autumn festival season.
Key provisions from the Ministry’s circular and statements from the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association highlight the following details:
Extended Business Hours: Effective October 5, 2026, shopping malls and retail businesses may operate daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the Durga Puja festival period.
Return to Standard Schedule: Normal operating hours (11:00 AM to 8:00 PM) will automatically resume on October 23, 2026, following the conclusion of Vijaya Dashami.
Welcomed by Business Leaders: Helal Uddin, President of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, warmly welcomed the decision, confirming its immediate implementation from Monday. He noted that the two-hour extension will ease overcrowding for shoppers and provide much-needed momentum for traders.
