Bangladesh’s decision to shut down universities and ration fuel sales amid the escalating Middle East conflict has sparked criticism over the country’s fragile energy planning and heavy dependence on imported fuel.

Facing mounting pressure on its energy supplies, the government ordered all public and private universities to close earlier than scheduled, advancing the Eid holidays in an attempt to reduce electricity consumption across campuses. Authorities said the step was necessary because university facilities including hostels, laboratories and classrooms consume significant amounts of power.

The crisis comes as global oil and gas markets have been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, triggering price spikes and uncertainty in fuel shipments. Bangladesh, which imports about 95 percent of its energy needs, has been particularly vulnerable to these shocks, forcing the government to introduce emergency austerity measures.

To prevent hoarding and panic buying, authorities also imposed daily limits on fuel sales across the country. Long queues at petrol stations and rising public anxiety have underscored the strain on Bangladesh’s already stretched energy supply chain.

Critics argue that the sudden closure of universities and rationing of fuel highlights deeper structural weaknesses in Bangladesh’s energy strategy. Despite years of economic growth, the country has struggled to diversify its energy sources or build sufficient reserves to withstand global disruptions.

The shortages have also begun affecting industrial activity. Severe gas shortages have forced the shutdown of several state-run fertiliser plants as authorities redirect limited supplies to power generation in order to prevent widespread electricity outages.

Economists warn that such emergency measures reflect the government’s limited ability to absorb global energy shocks. The reliance on costly liquefied natural gas imports and volatile international markets has left Bangladesh exposed to geopolitical crises far beyond its borders.

While officials insist the measures are temporary and necessary to stabilise supplies, the situation has raised concerns about the country’s long-term energy security. Analysts say that unless Bangladesh diversifies its energy mix and strengthens domestic production, similar crises could repeatedly disrupt daily life whenever global conflicts disturb fuel markets.

For many observers, the university shutdowns and fuel rationing serve as a stark reminder that Bangladesh’s rapid economic expansion has not been matched by equally strong energy resilience leaving the nation vulnerable whenever geopolitical tensions send shockwaves through global energy systems.

This image is taken from Al Jazeera.