Shop owners and businessmen today said they want to keep their business institutions open from 12pm to 9pm as an alternative way.

Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, confirmed the matter to The Daily Star at around 9pm tonight.

"It is under discussion to keep shops and malls close by 8pm. The government has already issued directives in this regard. But we want to place an alternative proposal. Considering rising energy prices worldwide, we want to keep our shops open from 12pm to 9pm," he said.

He said they have taken the decision after discussing the matter with businessmen and shop owners.

We will place our proposal to government soon, he added.

"Since there is more traffic congestion in Dhaka from 9am to 11am in the morning and from 5pm to 8pm. We can also join to work after the traffic congestion, if the shops are open from 12pm to 9pm. Apart from this, work hours will be reduced if we follow this timeframe," added Helal Uddin.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister's Office issued a letter asking the authorities to close shopping malls, stores and kitchen markets by 8:00pm every night to save electricity amid rising energy prices worldwide following the Russia-Ukraine war.