In a statement the Association President Amir Hossain Khan, Senior Vice-President Akhtaruzzaman Monju and Secretary General SA Kader Kiron said they will ensure optimum use of power in evening to save electricity.

The shop owners have been following the government order of closing the shops at 7:00pm since February 25 to save electricity which is being diverted to rural areas mainly for irrigation.

During the daytime the customers are reluctant to come for shopping due to scorching heat, they said.

They said the government decision to keep shops open seven days a week does not benefit the shop owners.

Besides, the shop owners said they are to consider the matters of workers.

Earlier, on April 8, the energy adviser assured the shop owners that the government would consider the matter of keeping the shops open until 8:00pm.

The leaders urged the energy adviser to consider the interest of 20 lakh shop owners in the capital.