Bangladesh has ordered all public and private universities to close starting Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve electricity and fuel in the face of a worsening energy crisis. The directive was issued by the Ministry of Education to the University Grants Commission, instructing universities across the country to begin their Eid break earlier than scheduled. This move is aimed at reducing electricity consumption on campuses, which typically require large amounts of power for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, and air conditioning.
Officials said the closure would also help ease traffic congestion, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Government and private schools in the country are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning most educational institutions will remain closed during this period. This step comes as Bangladesh faces growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The country relies on imports for nearly 95 per cent of its energy needs.
Authorities also imposed daily limits on fuel sales on March 9, following reports of panic buying and stockpiling. As part of wider austerity measures, the government has directed foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centers to temporarily suspend operations to reduce electricity use. Severe gas shortages have already forced the shutdown of four of the country's five state-run fertilizer factories, with available gas being redirected to power plants to prevent widespread outages.
Bangladesh has also turned to the spot market to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) at higher prices while seeking additional cargoes to bridge supply gaps.