Dhaka, Oct. 5 -- Shops, markets and shopping centres across Bangladesh can stay open for two extra hours ahead of Durga Puja, the government has said.

The extended schedule will remain in effect until Oct 22, with businesses allowed to operate from 11am to 10pm, the Power Division said Monday.

The previous schedule, allowing operations from 11am to 8pm, will return on Oct 23.

In a letter, the Power Division said: "For the upcoming Durga Puja, different shopping malls, markets and shops will remain open from 11am to 10pm until Oct 22. From Oct 23, the previous schedule (11am to 8pm) will remain in force."

The division has notified the mayors or administrators of all city corporations, divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, ...