All Universities Nationwide Shut Down Early to Conserve Energy

The Ministry of Education issued this emergency directive following instructions from the Cabinet Division and an order from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. By advancing the scheduled Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the government aims to drastically reduce electricity and fuel consumption as the country grapples with supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The directive includes a strict 11-point guideline for all university administrations to ensure maximum energy austerity. Universities have been instructed to rely on natural daylight by keeping windows open, reduce existing lighting by at least 50%, and maintain air conditioner temperatures at 25°C or higher when necessary. Furthermore, all electrical appliances—including computers, printers, and scanners—must be completely switched off after office hours. Decorative lighting has been banned, and the use of official vehicles must be strictly limited to minimize fuel waste.

While academic activities and most administrative functions are suspended, essential services will continue on a limited scale. For instance, the National University has confirmed that critical departments such as ICT, security, and emergency medical services will remain operational to handle urgent tasks. This nationwide closure reflects the severity of the current global energy situation and the government's commitment to prioritizing national power stability over non-essential institutional operations during the holy month of Ramadan and the lead-up to Eid.