Bangladesh is deeply mired in energy crisis: shopping malls close at 8 o'clock, advertising lighting is completely turned off

On August 12, 2026, the government of Bangladesh officially issued a power restriction notice. The notice stipulates that shopping centers, markets, and shops nationwide can only operate between 11am and 8pm; All illuminated billboards must be closed before 7pm; All types of decorative or illuminated lighting will remain closed; All ongoing or upcoming exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events nationwide must end before 8 pm.

The energy crisis continues to deepen, and the shutdown of nuclear power plants has become the trigger

  The energy crisis in Bangladesh has a long history, but the situation has deteriorated sharply in recent times. The power shortage has led to frequent power outages and restrictions nationwide, severely affecting industrial production and residents' lives. A senior government official said, "The goal is to minimize the use of artificial lighting. During the energy crisis, billboard lighting and decorative lighting are luxury items that the government cannot afford.

  To cope with the crisis, Bangladesh has requested additional diesel supplies from India to address the ongoing power shortage. This large-scale power rationing measure is an extreme measure taken by the government under energy pressure.

From shopping malls to billboards: comprehensive compression of lighting electricity consumption

  The power rationing measures this time cover a wide range. In terms of commercial operations, all shopping centers, markets, and stores across the country have been forced to shorten their operating hours - they are not allowed to open before 11am and must close by 8pm. This means that nighttime economic activities will be severely constrained.

  In terms of lighting electricity, all illuminated billboards must be turned off before 7 pm at night; All types of decorative or illuminated lighting are completely prohibited. Billboard lighting and decorative lighting are explicitly listed by the government as' unaffordable luxury goods'.

  In terms of public events, all ongoing or upcoming exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events must end before 8 pm. This regulation will directly affect the normal operation of Bangladesh's exhibition economy and nighttime cultural activities.

A microcosm of the energy crisis in South Asia

  The energy crisis in Bangladesh is not an isolated case. The entire South Asian region is facing severe energy shortage challenges. Previously, due to the continuous heat wave and severe drought, the water level of the Danube River in Europe has dropped to a historic low. Hungary and Romania have also taken large-scale energy-saving measures such as shutting down landmark decorative lighting and dimming street lights.

  Against the backdrop of profound changes in the global energy landscape, lighting - the most fundamental public service of modern life - is becoming one of the first areas to be sacrificed during energy shortages. Bangladesh's power rationing measures remind the industry that energy-saving lighting is not only a commercial proposition, but also a national strategic issue related to energy security.