The Bangladesh government has ordered the closure of all public and private universities nationwide starting Monday as part of measures to conserve electricity and fuel amid the global energy strain linked to the conflict in West Asia. The directive was issued by the Education Ministry through an official order signed by Assistant Secretary Sultan Ahmed.
According to the government notice, universities will remain closed in accordance with the scheduled Eid-ul-Fitr academic calendar. Authorities said the shutdown will also serve as a broader energy-saving step as the country prepares for possible disruptions in global fuel supply chains.
The decision comes as the newly formed administration led by Tarique Rahman intensifies austerity measures aimed at reducing nationwide energy consumption. Officials expressed concern that prolonged instability in the Middle East could further pressure international oil and gas supplies, affecting import-dependent economies such as Bangladesh.
Alongside the university closures, the government has appealed to citizens to cut fuel and electricity use. A circular issued by the energy ministry advised people to limit non-essential travel to reduce fuel demand.
The advisory followed reports of panic buying at fuel stations in Dhaka, where long queues of vehicles formed amid fears of possible shortages. Filling station operators said demand surged through the previous week, with motorists lining up from early morning and, in some cases, waiting several hours for refuelling.
Energy-saving guidelines also urge residents to use electricity cautiously and avoid decorative lighting. Citizens have been encouraged to reduce reliance on private vehicles and shift toward public transportation to ease fuel consumption.
Officials described the steps as precautionary but necessary given Bangladesh’s dependence on imported energy. Analysts note that South Asian nations such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remain particularly vulnerable to global oil price volatility and supply disruptions.
Authorities from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation said the country currently maintains adequate short-term fuel reserves. However, they acknowledged that long-term energy security remains sensitive to external shocks, especially those originating in West Asia.
