Business & Economy
Shops and malls may stay open until 10pm through 22 October
Temporary hours run from 11am to 10pm, with the 8pm closing limit returning on 23 October.
From 6 October 2026 — Daily Brief
Shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh may remain open until 10pm through 22 October under a temporary relaxation announced by the Power Division on Monday for Durga Puja.
The order sets permitted opening hours from 11am to 10pm during the festival period. From 23 October, businesses covered by the instruction are to return to an 8pm closing time, while retaining the 11am start.
The change gives traders two additional evening hours during the temporary period. It is a time-limited adjustment to trading hours, rather than a permanent extension or an instruction that every business must remain open until the latest permitted time.
Shop closing hours have changed several times this year as the authorities adjusted restrictions. Earlier arrangements included a 6pm closing time in April, followed by 7pm, with later relaxations around Eid. The 8pm limit was restored in August.
For businesses planning festival staffing and customer visits, the relevant dates are therefore distinct: the extended evening hours last through 22 October, and the shorter schedule resumes the following day.
The Power Division’s instruction concerns commercial opening hours. It is separate from the government’s decisions on public holidays, which determine days off for government employees.
