Dhaka, June 9 -- The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has called upon the government to allow shops to remain open from 12:00pm to 10:00pm to help boost trading and support businesses facing mounting costs.

On Monday, Association President Nazmul Hasan Mahmud said they had sent a letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman requesting permission for shops to operate until 10:00pm.

"We are making this appeal in the interest of millions of consumers across the country and nearly 7 million (70 lakh) shop owners, employees, and their families whose livelihoods depend on this sector," said the letter.

It said that retail trade is an important sector of the national economy and noted that millions of jobs have been created through shops, market...