- Bangladesh has ordered the early closure of all universities and educational centers to reduce electricity and fuel consumption during a severe energy crisis.
- This emergency measure, triggered by global oil market instability linked to Middle Eastern conflicts, aims to ease the strain on the country's power grid before Eid al-Fitr.
- The decision follows other conservation efforts, such as daily fuel limits and gas supply halts, as the nation imports nearly 95% of its energy ne
Bangladesh has issued an order for the early closure of all universities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, starting Monday. The holidays have been announced as a part of emergency measures amid the energy crisis due to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, as reported by Reuters.
The Education Ministry directed universities to begin their Eid-ul-Fitr holidays ahead of schedule across the country, following instructions from the Cabinet Division to curb energy demand in several sectors.
The circulated directives issued by the ministry to all the universities stated, “The decision has been taken to reduce electricity and fuel consumption considering the current global situation.”
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The decision applies to both public and private universities, English-medium schools, and coaching centers.
As per the officials cited by Reuters, the decision to halt academic activities, which began on Monday, not only saves electricity but also reduces transportation-related fuel consumption. The early closure would help ease pressure on the country's strained power system as the Middle East tensions have stirred the global oil market and also affected Bangladesh's energy supply chain, along with many other nations.
Amidst the Middle East tensions, a senior energy ministry official said, as per Reuters, “We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies.”
The order comes as schools in Bangladesh are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. As the country imports around 95% of its energy needs, daily fuel sales limits were imposed on Friday after panic buying of oil.
As per Reuters, across the country, severe gas shortages have directed a halt in operations to curb the energy shortage.
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