Shops and shopping malls across the country will remain open until 10:00pm, instead of 7:00pm, from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha, Shop Owners Association said today.

Helal Uddin, president of the association, confirmed the development to The Daily Star this afternoon.

In a video message, he said the association had requested the government to allow shops and shopping malls to stay open until 11:00pm, for Eid-ul-Azha.

“The government has permitted us to keep shops open until 10:00pm. At the same time, we have been instructed not to use excessive lighting or electricity,” he said.

Due to the energy crisis, the government on April 3 directed shops and shopping malls to close by 6:00pm.

Later, following a meeting with business associations, the closing time was extended by one hour from April 5, allowing businesses to operate until 7:00pm.