Shops, shopping malls to remain closed nationwide on February 11-12

In connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections and the concurrent national referendum, all shops, commercial establishments, and shopping malls across Bangladesh—including in Dhaka—will stay closed on February 11 (Wednesday) and February 12 (Thursday).

The Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association announced this decision in a press release issued on Saturday. 

The closure aligns with government directives to ensure widespread public participation in voting and to facilitate the smooth exercise of voting rights on election day.

The 13th parliamentary election and referendum are scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. Campaigning ends on February 10.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has declared a general holiday on Tuesday, February 10 for workers and employees in industrial areas. This means industrial workers will enjoy three consecutive days off from February 10 to 12.

The government has declared February 11 a public holiday. February 12 (election day) is already a public holiday, followed by the regular weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday.