Bangladesh will close all universities beginning Monday, moving ahead the Eid al-Fitr vacations as part of emergency steps to preserve electricity and fuel in the face of a rising energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.
Authorities said the decision applies to all public and private institutions in the country, a move that officials said will not only reduce electricity use but also alleviate transportation congestion, which causes fuel waste.
Officials said university campuses use a lot of electricity for residential halls, classes, laboratories, and air conditioning, so the early closure will help relieve pressure on the country's overburdened power infrastructure.Bangladesh's government and private schools have already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which means that the majority of educational institutions in the country will remain closed throughout this time.
The decision comes as Bangladesh faces growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supply as a result of interruptions in global energy markets caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The country, which imports 95% of its energy, imposed daily gasoline sales limits on Friday following panic purchasing and hoarding.
As part of broader austerity measures, the government has also requested that all foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres cease operations during this time to reduce electricity use.Severe gas shortages have already caused Bangladesh to shut down four of its five state-run fertilizer mills, diverting available gas to power plants to avert widespread outages.
The country has purchased LNG from the spot market at higher costs, while seeking additional cargoes to fill supply shortfalls.We are doing everything we can to minimize usage and ensure the stability of power, gasoline, and import supplies," a senior energy ministry official stated.