The decision came into effect from Monday, March 9, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays for both public and private universities across the country, as per news agency Reuters.
Officials said the move is expected to significantly lower electricity demand at a time when Bangladesh is facing mounting pressure on its power supply.
University campuses account for substantial electricity consumption due to the operation of residential halls, academic buildings, laboratories and air-conditioning systems. Temporarily shutting these institutions is therefore expected to ease pressure on the national grid, officials said, as per Reuters.
Officials also noted that the closures may help reduce traffic congestion in major cities, which often leads to higher fuel usage.
Energy supply pressures intensify
Bangladesh is grappling with rising uncertainty over fuel and gas availability following disruptions in global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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The country is heavily dependent on imports, sourcing about 95% of its energy needs from abroad, which makes it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in international supply and prices, as per Reuters.
Authorities introduced daily limits on fuel sales last Friday after panic buying and hoarding began to emerge in several areas.
Bangladesh moves towards LNG
Gas shortages have already forced the shutdown of four out of five state-owned fertiliser factories, as the government redirected available gas supplies to electricity generation in order to prevent widespread power outages.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has turned to the global spot market to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) at significantly higher prices while also seeking additional cargoes to address 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, as per Reuters.
Most educational institutions already closed during Ramadan
The closure of universities comes at a time when most other educational institutions in Bangladesh are already not functioning for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
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Government-run and private schools across the country are currently closed, meaning that the majority of Bangladesh’s education sector will remain inactive during this period, as per Reuters.
As part of wider energy-saving steps, the government has also requested foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations temporarily to help curb electricity consumption.
