Dhaka, June 11 -- The government has extended the closing time for shops and shopping malls by two hours from 7pm to 9pm.

The decision follows repeated adjustments to operating hours amid an energy crunch and demands from business owners.

Under the new directive, shops and shopping malls can remain open from 11am to 9pm.

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin informed bdnews24.com of the development through a media statement.

According to the statement, Power Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood spoke with Helal over the phone at noon and informed him that shops and shopping malls would be allowed to operate from 11am to 9pm from Thursday.

Helal thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Minister Iqbal for the decision....