Dhaka, Aug. 12 -- The government has decided to restrict the operating hours of shopping malls, markets and shops across the country until 8:00pm as part of measures to conserve electricity amid an ongoing power and gas crisis.

According to a notification issued by the Power Division on Wednesday, shopping malls, markets and shops will remain open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, replacing the previous closing time of 9:00pm.

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The notification also requires all illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7:00pm and all decorative lighting to remain switched off.

The restrictions will also apply to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural programmes across the...