Bangladesh will close all universities from Monday (March 9, 2026), 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 West Asia. The move comes as ‌Bangladesh faces mounting uncertainty over fuel and ​gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in ⁠West Asia. The country, which relies on imports for 95% of its energy needs, imposed daily ‌limits on Friday on fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling. Severe gas shortages have ‌already forced Bangladesh to halt operations at four of ​its five state-run fertiliser factories, redirecting available gas to power plants to avoid widespread outages. “We are doing ‌everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” ​a senior Energy Ministry official said.

Source: The Hindu March 09, 2026 14:12 UTC