The Biz Reporter
Dhaka, Mar 9: Bangladesh has ordered the closure of all public and private universities and introduced fuel rationing as the country grapples with a worsening energy crisis linked to disruptions in global markets caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Authorities announced that all universities across the country would remain closed from Monday, with the government advancing the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures aimed at conserving electricity and fuel.
Officials said the decision was taken to reduce the pressure on the national power system and curb rising fuel consumption during a period of heightened uncertainty in global energy supplies.
“The decision has been taken to reduce electricity and fuel consumption considering the current global situation,” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education said in a directive issued to university authorities.
According to officials, university campuses consume large amounts of electricity due to the operation of residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and air-conditioning systems. Closing the institutions temporarily is expected to significantly reduce electricity demand and ease pressure on the country’s strained power infrastructure.
Authorities also said the move would help reduce traffic congestion in major cities, which contributes to excessive fuel consumption.
Government and private schools across Bangladesh were already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. With universities now shut as well, most educational institutions across the country will remain closed during the period.
The measures come as Bangladesh, which imports nearly 95 percent of its energy needs, faces growing challenges due to volatility in global oil and gas markets.
Amid rising concerns about fuel availability, the government has also imposed daily limits on fuel sales after reports of panic buying and stockpiling by consumers.
As part of broader austerity steps, authorities have directed foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations during this period in order to reduce electricity consumption.
The government has also issued guidelines urging institutions, offices and businesses to use electricity more efficiently. These include maximising the use of natural daylight, minimising unnecessary lighting and reducing overall power consumption wherever possible.
Officials said the emergency measures were introduced as Bangladesh faces mounting uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets triggered by the ongoing United States–Israel conflict with Iran.
