Dhaka: All universities in Bangladesh will remain closed from Monday, bringing forward the Eid ul Fitr holidays. As part of emergency measures to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to the Middle East conflict, this is a mandatory step.
Universities to close nationwide
Authorities confirmed that the decision affects all public and private universities. Officials said the move will help reduce electricity consumption and therefore ease traffic congestion, which contributes to fuel wastage.
University campuses use significant electricity for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, and air conditioning. As a result, early closure is expected to relieve pressure on the country’s strained power system.
Schools and private institutions
Government and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. With this new order, most educational institutions will remain shut throughout the period.
Officials have also asked foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations to further limit electricity use.
Fuel and gas shortages
Meanwhile, Bangladesh suffers from mounting uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions in global energy markets due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The country is heavily dependent on imports for 95 percent of its energy needs.
Additionally, on Friday, authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling. The current gas shortages have forced authorities to close four out of five state-run fertiliser factories. Moreover, they redirected gas to power plants to prevent widespread outages.
Furthermore, to meet the demands for energy, Bangladesh purchased LNG at higher rates from the spot market while searching for additional supplies.
“We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel, and import supplies,” a senior energy ministry official said.
