The government has ordered all public and private universities across Bangladesh to close from Monday as part of a national effort to reduce electricity consumption and conserve fuel amid growing global energy uncertainty.
Officials said the decision was taken under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as part of the government’s broader strategy to manage electricity demand and conserve fuel during the current global energy uncertainty.
The directive was issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education through an official order signed by Assistant Secretary Sultan Ahmed. Authorities said the decision aims to support the country’s power and energy management strategy as international tensions and supply disruptions continue to affect global fuel markets.
According to the order, universities will remain closed in line with the previously scheduled Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in their academic calendars. The government believes that temporarily shutting down large campuses during this period will help lower overall electricity demand and reduce pressure on the national power grid.
The Ministry of Education has instructed the University Grants Commission to ensure immediate implementation of the decision at all public and private universities across the country.
Alongside the closure order, universities have been asked to adopt stricter energy-saving practices once operations resume. Institutions have been directed to reduce electricity consumption by limiting the use of lighting during daylight hours and ensuring that unnecessary lights, fans and air-conditioning systems remain switched off during office hours.
Authorities also instructed universities to maintain air-conditioning temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius or higher to minimise electricity use. Staff members have been asked to switch off computers, printers, scanners and other electrical appliances after office hours to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
The government has also urged universities to reduce lighting in corridors, staircases and other common areas and to completely avoid decorative lighting on campuses. Institutions have further been encouraged to gradually replace conventional electrical equipment with energy-efficient alternatives and limit the use of official vehicles in order to conserve fuel.
Energy officials say large university campuses consume substantial amounts of electricity due to classrooms, dormitories, laboratories and administrative facilities. Temporarily closing campuses during the holiday period is therefore expected to significantly reduce national electricity demand.
Bangladesh’s power sector relies heavily on imported fuels, including liquefied natural gas and petroleum products. As global energy markets face uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, authorities say managing domestic electricity demand has become an important part of maintaining energy security.
Officials added that the government will continue to monitor global developments and may introduce additional energy-saving measures if international conditions worsen.
