Dhaka, April 8 -- Retailers in Dhaka report a 10-30 percent drop in sales following the government's directive to close shops by 7pm, excluding medicine and essential goods, as part of energy conservation amid a fuel crisis.

While wholesale trade continues smoothly during the day, businesses face new challenges in courier shipments and evening accounting.

Buyers also struggle to adjust to shopping earlier, citing daytime heat and work schedules.

Many suggest shifting shop hours to 12pm-8pm to maintain sales.

The government's decision, revised from 6pm closures after appeals by traders' associations, was announced by State Minister for Power Aninda Islam Amit.

Offices now operate 9am-4pm, while shops, markets, and malls close at 7pm....