DHAKA, Bangladesh (Diya TV) — Bangladesh has announced the closure of all universities nationwide starting Monday as the government takes emergency steps to conserve fuel and electricity during a worsening energy crisis tied to tensions in the Middle East.
Officials said the early shutdown will coincide with the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays. Authorities hope the measure will reduce electricity demand and ease pressure on the country’s strained power system. The decision comes as rising global oil prices and disruptions in energy supply threaten many countries that depend heavily on fuel imports.
The government confirmed that both public and private universities will close temporarily. Officials said university campuses consume large amounts of electricity. Residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, and air-conditioning systems all require significant power.
By shutting campuses early, authorities expect to cut energy use across the country. Officials also believe the closures will reduce traffic congestion in major cities. Heavy traffic often leads to high fuel consumption as vehicles remain stuck on busy roads.
“Reducing campus activity will help lower electricity use and fuel consumption at a critical time,” a senior energy ministry official said.
The decision affects thousands of students and faculty members across Bangladesh. However, authorities say the move is necessary to stabilize energy supplies.
Bangladesh faces growing pressure from global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Israel-U.S. conflict involving Iran. The tensions have pushed oil prices sharply higher and increased uncertainty across international fuel markets. On Monday, global oil prices climbed above $114 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Analysts warn that instability in the Middle East could disrupt production and shipping routes.
These changes hit countries like Bangladesh especially hard. The nation imports about 95 percent of its energy needs. Any spike in fuel prices or supply disruptions can quickly strain its economy. Government officials said they must act quickly to control energy consumption while securing additional fuel supplies.
The university shutdown adds to existing school closures during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Government and private schools across Bangladesh had already suspended classes for the month.
With universities now joining the shutdown, most educational institutions in the country will remain closed until after Eid al-Fitr. Officials say the timing allows the government to limit electricity use during one of the most challenging periods for energy supply.
The government has already introduced fuel restrictions to control demand. On Friday, authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales after panic buying spread across several regions. Many residents rushed to purchase gasoline and diesel out of fear of future shortages. Officials say the limits will help prevent stockpiling and ensure fair distribution.
At the same time, Bangladesh faces serious natural gas shortages. The government recently halted operations at four of the country’s five state-run fertilizer factories. Authorities redirected available gas supplies to power plants. Officials said the move aims to prevent widespread electricity outages that could disrupt homes and businesses.
The government has also turned to the international market to secure additional energy supplies. Bangladesh has purchased liquefied natural gas, or LNG, cargoes at higher spot market prices. Officials continue to negotiate for more shipments to bridge supply gaps.
The government has expanded its energy-saving measures beyond universities. Officials have asked foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centers to suspend operations temporarily.
These institutions often operate outside the regular school system and use additional electricity for classrooms and facilities. Authorities say the goal remains simple: reduce energy consumption across all sectors until the supply situation improves.
Neighboring Pakistan is also reviewing potential measures to cut energy use. Officials there have discussed options such as temporary school closures, online classes, and expanded remote work.
However, authorities have not announced any final decision. Provincial leaders in Punjab have already ruled out immediate school closures, though discussions continue at the national level.
“We are doing everything possible to reduce consumption and maintain stability in power, fuel, and import supplies,” the senior energy ministry official said.
