Bangladesh’s Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has announced extended operating hours for retail businesses. The decision, communicated to the President of the Mobile Phone Shop Owners Association, Md. Helal Uddin, allows shops and shopping malls to remain open from 11 AM to 9 PM daily. This represents a change from previous restrictions, likely aimed at boosting economic activity. The Minister conveyed the information via mobile phone, indicating a swift and direct communication of the new policy. No specific reasons for the change were detailed in the announcement, but it is anticipated to benefit both businesses and consumers. The policy is effective immediately and applies to all retail establishments across the country. Further details regarding potential regulations or guidelines were not provided.