National University Closed Starting Today; Limited Offices to Handle Emergency Work

All public and private universities across Bangladesh, including the National University, will remain closed starting today, Monday (9 March), as part of the government’s drive to conserve electricity and fuel amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Education issued the directive on Sunday (8 March), advancing the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period in line with instructions from the Cabinet Division and in observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

The National University administration followed suit with an office order late Sunday night, announcing that all offices will remain closed from 9 March to 26 March (Thursday) — covering the pre-declared holidays for Ramadan, Shab-e-Qadr, Jumatul Bida, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Independence Day.

However, essential services will continue on a limited scale in several critical departments:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Administration
• Finance and Accounts
• Discipline and Security
• Medical Services
• Examination Control
• College Inspection
• Legal Affairs

The Ministry of Education’s guidelines emphasize strict energy-saving measures during the closure period, including:

• Avoiding electric lights during daylight hours when sufficient natural light is available; keeping windows and doors open to maximize natural light
• Reducing the use of existing lighting by half
• Eliminating unnecessary or excess lighting
• Switching off extra lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances when not required
• Setting air conditioners (where used) to 25°C or higher
• Turning off all lights, fans, air conditioners, and electrical equipment when leaving offices or rooms
• Stopping unnecessary lighting in corridors, staircases, washrooms, and other common areas
• Using energy-efficient appliances wherever possible
• Ensuring all electrical equipment (lights, fans, computers, printers, scanners, air conditioners, etc.) is switched off at the end of office hours
• Avoiding decorative or unnecessary lighting
• Limiting vehicle use and practicing fuel conservation

The measures are intended to significantly reduce national energy consumption during the current period of international instability and high fuel prices, while aligning with the upcoming Eid holiday.