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Bangladesh Shuts Universities Early Amid Energy Crisis
Mar 09, 2026Bangladesh has ordered all public and private universities to close from Monday, bringing forward the holidays for Eid al-Fitr as part of emergency measures to conserve electricity and fuel during a worsening energy crisis.
The directive was issued by the education ministry to the University Grants Commission, instructing universities nationwide to begin their Eid break earlier than scheduled. Officials said the move is intended to reduce electricity consumption on campuses, which typically require significant power for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and air-conditioning.
Authorities also expect the early closure to ease traffic congestion and lower fuel consumption as students leave university towns.
Most schools in the country are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning a large part of the education sector will remain shut during this period.
The decision comes as Bangladesh faces growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions in global energy markets linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The country relies heavily on imports, meeting nearly 95 percent of its energy needs from abroad.
On 9 March, authorities also imposed daily limits on fuel sales after reports of panic buying and stockpiling. As part of broader austerity measures, the government has directed foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations temporarily to reduce electricity use.
Severe gas shortages have already forced the shutdown of four of the country’s five state-run fertiliser factories, with available gas redirected to power plants in an effort to prevent widespread electricity outages.
Bangladesh has also turned to the spot market to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) at higher prices while seeking additional cargoes to help bridge the supply gap.
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