Bangladesh shuts universities early to save power amid energy crisis

The government of Bangladesh has ordered all universities across the country to close from Monday, advancing the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures aimed at conserving electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to turmoil in global energy markets.Authorities said the directive applies to all public and private universities nationwide. Officials noted that the early closure is expected to significantly reduce electricity consumption while also easing traffic congestion in major cities, which contributes to fuel wastage.
According to government officials, university campuses are among the largest consumers of electricity due to the operation of residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and air-conditioning systems. Temporarily suspending academic activities is expected to reduce pressure on the country’s already strained power supply system.The decision means that most educational institutions across the country will remain closed during the period, as government and private schools in Bangladesh are already shut for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The move comes at a time when the country is grappling with uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has placed additional pressure on Bangladesh’s import-dependent energy system.Officials say the country relies on imports for nearly 95 per cent of its energy requirements, making it highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices and supply disruptions. On Friday, authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling were reported at several fuel stations.
As part of broader austerity measures to curb electricity use, the government has also directed foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations during the period.The energy crunch has already forced authorities to divert available gas supplies toward electricity generation to avoid widespread blackouts. Severe gas shortages have led to the suspension of operations at four out of five state-run fertiliser factories in the country.
Meanwhile, the government has turned to the global spot market to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG), purchasing cargoes at significantly higher prices in an attempt to bridge the widening supply gap.“We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” a senior energy ministry official said, adding that the government continues to monitor the situation closely.