In a major development, the Bangladesh government has decided to shut all public and private universities as an emergency measure to save fuel and electricity, starting from Monday (9th March).
The Tarique Rahman-led BNP government has advanced Eid holidays after the energy crisis in the nation worsened due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The move is expected to reduce electricity consumption and decrease traffic congestion, thereby preventing wastage of fuel.
According to the officials of the Bangladesh government, universities require large amounts of electricity to run residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, and air conditioners. As such, early Eid holidays will ease pressure off the power system.
It must be mentioned that both government and private schools in Bangladesh have already been closed for the month of Ramzan. The Islamic country is dependent on energy imports for 95% of its domestic consumption.
Given the situation at hand, the government had imposed daily limits on the purchase of fuel. Besides, private coaching centres and foreign-curriculum schools have been directed to suspend their operations.
Fuel shortage has forced Bangladesh to stop operations at 4 government-run fertiliser factories. While speaking about the matter, a government official informed, “We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies.”
In the meantime, Bangladesh sought help from neighbouring India to resolve the ongoing crisis in its energy sector. The government has requested the supply of 50,000 tonnes of diesel within 4 months from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Assam’s Numligarh Refinery Limited (NRL).
