Bangladesh shuts universities early to save power amid energy crisis

DHAKA: Bangladesh will close all universities from Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve ​electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to ‌the conflict in the Middle East.

Authorities said the decision applies to all public and private universities across the country, a move that officials said will not only ​reduce electricity consumption but also ease traffic congestion, which leads ​to fuel wastage.

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Officials said university campuses consume large amounts of ⁠electricity for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and air conditioning, and the ​early closure would help ease pressure on the country’s strained power ​system.

Government and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning most educational institutions across the country will now remain shut ​during the period.

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The move comes as Bangladesh faces mounting uncertainty over ​fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing ‌conflict ⁠in the Middle East.

The country, which relies on imports for 95% of its energy needs, imposed daily limits on Friday on fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling.

As part of broader austerity measures, the government has also ​asked all foreign‑curriculum schools and ​private coaching ⁠centres to suspend operations during this period to limit electricity use.

Severe gas shortages have already forced Bangladesh to halt ​operations at four of its five state‑run fertiliser ​factories, redirecting ⁠available gas to power plants to avoid widespread outages.

The country has also bought LNG from the spot market at sharply higher prices while seeking additional ⁠cargoes ​to bridge supply gaps.

“We are doing everything ​we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” a ​senior energy ministry official said.