Dhaka: Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association has decided to keep the shutters down from Mar 25 to Mar 31 as the shopping malls are shorn of shoppers due to fears of coronavirus, bdnews24.com reported.

But shops of daily essential goods, such as grocery, medicine and food, will remain open, the association’s President Helal Uddin told bdnews24.com on Sunday.

He said the leaders of the association took the decision after discussions by using information and communication technology as the people are advised to avoid gatherings to prevent infection.

“The number of customers has already declined while we still need to pay utility bills for fans, lights,” he added.