The government of Bangladesh has announced the closure of all public and private universities across the country until Eid al-Fitr due to rising petroleum prices and an ongoing energy crisis.
According to international media reports, Bangladeshi authorities said the government has decided to start the Eid holidays earlier than usual, under which universities nationwide will remain closed from Monday.
Officials said the decision was taken in view of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the resulting global energy challenges, with the aim of conserving electricity and fuel.
Authorities added that the move is expected to reduce electricity consumption as well as traffic congestion, which will ultimately help lower fuel usage.
They noted that university campuses, student hostels, classrooms, laboratories and air-conditioning systems consume large amounts of electricity, and early holidays will help ease pressure on the national power grid.
Officials also pointed out that government and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed during the holy month of Ramadan, and universities will now remain closed until Eid as well.
