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Bangladesh Shuts Universities to Save Energy Amid Global Fuel Crisis

The Bangladesh government has ordered all universities to close to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening global energy crisis. The shutdown will last until after the Eid al-Fitr holidays, with the Education Ministry issuing an 11-point directive for energy savings. The crisis is linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy markets and raised fears of supply shortages. Long queues have formed at fuel stations in major cities as the country, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern imports, faces potential disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Points: Bangladesh Closes Universities to Conserve Energy, Fuel

  • Universities closed until Eid al-Fitr
  • 11-point directive to conserve energy
  • Fuel shortages feared in Dhaka, Chattogram
  • Conflict in West Asia disrupts supply
  • Strait of Hormuz closure raises concerns
2 min read

Bangladesh universities shut to conserve energy, fuel amid global crisis

Bangladesh orders universities shut to save electricity and fuel as the West Asia conflict disrupts global energy markets and supply chains.

"To deal with the global crisis, it is necessary to save electricity and energy at the national level. - Prothom Alo"

Dhaka, March 9

The Bangladesh government has issued an order to shut universities across the country in order to conserve electricity and fuel, as the escalating conflict in West Asia intensifies the global energy crisis, local media reported on Monday.

According to the directive issued by the Ministry of Education, the holidays will continue until the end of the holy Eid al-Fitr holiday as outlined in universities' academic calendars.

"To deal with the global crisis, it is necessary to save electricity and energy at the national level. For this, it is necessary to ensure that officials and employees in all public and private universities behave responsibly and efficiently in terms of electricity and energy," Bangladesh's Bengali daily Prothom Alo quoted the directive as saying.

The Ministry of Education has also called for the implementation of 11-point directives, including restricting the use of vehicles already allocated by the Cabinet Division, to conserve electricity and fuel.

The crisis stems from the war in West Asia, which has escalated since February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military facilities and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel, US interests and several Gulf states hosting American military bases.

According to a report in Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, as the conflict in West Asia keeps global energy markets on edge, Bangladesh is beginning to experience its repercussions.

Over the weekend, it said, fuel stations in Dhaka, Chattogram, and elsewhere were crowded by motorists rushing to purchase fuel amid fears of shortages.

"Long queues formed at many stations, with drivers waiting for hours to fill their tanks. The country relies heavily on imported energy, particularly fuel oils and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Middle East, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about potential disruptions to supplies for transport, industry, and households," The Daily Star editorial stated.

"Around one-fifth of our crude oil imports pass through this vital route. Although most refined petroleum products are sourced from other Asian suppliers, uncertainty in global energy flows has increased consumer anxiety," it added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Shutting universities is a drastic step that will disrupt the education of thousands of students. While conserving energy is crucial, couldn't they have explored alternatives like online classes or reduced administrative operations first? The long-term cost to education seems high.
P
Priyanka N
The Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint. When there's tension there, the whole world shivers. India needs to double down on its renewable energy plans. Can't keep relying on imports from volatile regions. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
Feel for the students and professors. Their academic year is getting derailed because of a war far away. This is the real-world impact of geopolitics that we often don't see. Hope they have a peaceful Eid at least.
V
Vikram M
The 11-point directive for officials to restrict vehicle use is key. Often in such crises, the burden falls only on the common public. Leaders and officials must lead by example. Bangladesh is taking the right steps, however hard they may be.
K
Kavya N
Seeing the queues at fuel stations in Dhaka is a familiar sight, we've had those in Indian cities too during shortages. It creates so much anxiety. Governments should have better public communication to prevent panic buying.

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