India, Aug. 13 -- Bangladesh is facing one of its worst power crisis in years as a severe shortage of natural gas has hit electricity generation in the country, prompting the government to direct closure of shops, markets and shopping malls as early as 8pm.

Bangladesh has now turned to India for help.

Under a government directive that took effect on Thursday, shops, markets and shopping malls have been directed to shut shop by 8 pm, according to a Reuters report. Commercial establishments are now permitted to operate only between 11 am and 8 pm while hospitals, pharmacies and food-related businesses have been exempted.

The worsening crisis has also prompted Bangladesh to seek additional diesel supplies from India to help manage the sho...