DHAKA, March 9 – All universities across Bangladesh will shut their doors beginning Monday as the nation implements drastic emergency conservation steps to address a deepening energy shortage tied to Middle Eastern conflicts, officials announced.
The directive affects every public and private university throughout the nation, with officials explaining the measure will cut electrical usage while simultaneously reducing traffic jams that waste precious fuel resources.
University facilities draw massive amounts of power for dormitories, lecture halls, research labs and cooling systems, and shutting them down early will relieve stress on the country’s overwhelmed electrical grid, according to authorities.
Educational institutions serving younger students in Bangladesh have already suspended operations for the Islamic holy period of Ramadan, meaning virtually all academic facilities nationwide will remain closed during this timeframe.
The emergency action reflects Bangladesh’s growing concerns about fuel and natural gas availability as global energy disruptions continue from the ongoing Middle Eastern warfare.
With 95% of its energy requirements coming from overseas sources, the nation implemented daily fuel purchase restrictions Friday following widespread hoarding and panic purchasing by consumers.
As part of expanded conservation efforts, officials have also directed all international curriculum schools and private tutoring centers to halt activities during this period to minimize electrical demand.
Critical natural gas shortages have already compelled Bangladesh to suspend four of its five government-operated fertilizer plants, rerouting available gas supplies to electrical generation facilities to prevent massive blackouts.
The country has purchased liquefied natural gas from spot markets at dramatically inflated costs while searching for additional shipments to fill supply shortfalls.
“We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” a senior energy ministry official said.
