Bangladesh govt announces early closure of universities amid petrol prices

2026-03-09 - 07:43

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government on Monday announced the early closure of universities across the country in response to rising petroleum prices and an emerging energy crisis. The officials said that the government has decided to begin Eid holidays ahead of schedule, under which all public and private universities will remain closed from today until the Eid holidays. The decision has been taken in the context of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have triggered an energy crisis and increased fuel prices. Authorities said the move aims to conserve electricity and reduce fuel consumption. The officials added that the step will help lower electricity usage and ease traffic pressure, which will ultimately reduce fuel wastage. They explained that university campuses consume a large amount of electricity due to residential hostels, classrooms, laboratories and extensive use of air-conditioning. Early holidays are therefore expected to reduce the burden on the national power system. It may be mentioned here that the public and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed during the month of Ramadan, and with the latest decision, the universities will also remain closed until Eid.