Bangladesh shuts universities early to conserve power amid middle east crisis
The Government of Bangladesh has ordered all universities across the country to shut down from Monday, advancing the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures aimed at conserving electricity and fuel during a deepening energy crisis.
Officials said the directive applies to both public and private universities and is intended to cut electricity consumption while also reducing traffic congestion, which contributes to fuel use.
Authorities explained that university campuses consume substantial amounts of electricity due to residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and cooling systems. Temporarily closing these institutions is expected to ease pressure on the country’s strained power grid.
The decision comes as Bangladesh grapples with growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies linked to disruptions in global energy markets following the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
Government and private schools in Bangladesh had already been closed earlier for the holy month of Ramadan. With universities now included, most educational institutions across the country will remain shut during this period.
The energy situation has worsened in recent days as authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling were reported in several areas. Bangladesh relies heavily on imported energy, with nearly 95 per cent of its fuel requirements coming from abroad. Officials believe the temporary closure of universities will not only save electricity but also lower traffic movement in major cities such as Dhaka, helping reduce fuel consumption.
As part of broader energy-saving measures, the Government has also instructed foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations temporarily to curb electricity usage. Meanwhile, severe gas shortages have forced authorities to halt operations at four of the country’s five state-run fertiliser plants. Available gas supplies are being redirected to power generation facilities to prevent widespread electricity outages.
To address the supply gap, Bangladesh has been purchasing liquefied natural gas from the spot market at significantly higher prices while exploring additional cargoes. A senior official from the energy ministry said the Government is working to manage the crisis through multiple measures.
“We are doing everything possible to reduce consumption and maintain stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” the official said. The developments highlight the vulnerability of energy-import-dependent economies like Bangladesh to fluctuations in global energy markets, especially during periods of geopolitical tension.
