Bangladesh shuts universities to save power amid energy crisis

Dhaka: Bangladesh will close all universities from Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve ​electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to ‌the conflict in the Middle East.

Bangladesh Authorities said the decision applies to all public and private universities across the country, a move that officials said will not only ​reduce electricity consumption but also ease traffic congestion, which leads ​to fuel wastage."

Officials said university campuses consume large ‌amounts ⁠of electricity for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories ⁠and air conditioning, and the early closure would help ease pressure on the country’s strained power system.

Government and private schools in ​Bangladesh are already closed ‌for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning most educational institutions across the country will now remain shut during the period.