Bangladesh

Shops and malls return to 8pm closing after Puja relaxation ends

The temporary Durga Puja extension for shops, markets and malls ended on 22 October. From 23 October, the regular 11am–8pm schedule applies again. The earlier closing limit was introduced to conserve electricity, replacing the festival concession that allowed businesses to remain open until 10pm.

Bengal Brief · 24 October 2026 · 1 min read

From 24 October 2026 — Daily Brief

24 OCT 2026 · 2/25

Shops, markets and shopping malls returned to an 8pm closing time on 23 October after a temporary extension for Durga Puja ended. The regular operating window is 11am to 8pm.

The Power Division had allowed businesses to remain open until 10pm during the festival period under a directive issued on 5 October. That relaxation expired on 22 October, bringing the earlier schedule back into effect from Friday.

The 8pm limit was introduced on 12 August as part of measures to conserve electricity. Its return means shoppers and retailers must again plan their visits and trading within the shorter evening window.

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