Bangladesh Shop Owners Demand End to 8 PM Curfew and Solar Aid

The Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity has formally demanded the withdrawal of the government's decision to close shops by 8 PM, arguing that the regulation is severely harming the commercial sector. According to the organization, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises are currently facing unprecedented financial hardships due to a combination of persistent gas and electricity shortages, as well as frequent load-shedding across the country.

Addressing the ongoing energy crisis affecting businesses, the trade association has urged the government to provide comprehensive support for the installation of rooftop solar panels on all markets and large shopping complexes. The integration of renewable energy systems is seen by the association as a necessary step to mitigate the crippling effects of regular power outages on commercial operations.

The announcement and subsequent demands were made during a press conference held at the central office of the Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, located in the Moghbazar area of the capital city, Dhaka. The event served as a platform for the leadership to articulate the mounting grievances of business owners who are struggling to maintain viable operations under the current economic and infrastructural constraints.

During the gathering at the Moghbazar office, Md. Helal Uddin, the president of the Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, took the podium to address the media. He formally read out the organization's written statement, detailing the multifaceted challenges confronting traders and reiterating the urgent need for policy interventions from the relevant authorities.

The press conference underscored the deepening vulnerability of the nation's retail sector as business owners grapple with unreliable utility supplies. By demanding both the revocation of the evening operating restrictions and targeted assistance for rooftop solar infrastructure, the Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity has highlighted the critical intersection of energy security and commercial survival for small-scale merchants.