Bangladesh Trial Report:

The government has directed all public and private universities in the country to remain closed from Monday (March 9) until the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays to conserve electricity and fuel. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Bangladesh Accreditation Council have been asked to take the necessary measures to implement the directive.

On Sunday (March 8), the Ministry of Education requested the UGC and the Bangladesh Accreditation Council to take the necessary steps in line with instructions issued by the Cabinet Division.

The directive stated that conserving electricity and energy at the national level is necessary to address the ongoing global crisis. To this end, officials and employees of all public and private universities must ensure responsible and energy-efficient use of electricity and fuel.

It further stated that all public and private universities would remain closed from March 9 until the date specified for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in their respective academic calendars, in observance of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Universities have been asked to comply with the instructions.

Energy Conservation Guidelines

The Ministry of Education has outlined several measures to conserve electricity and fuel. These include:

  1. Avoid using electric lights when sufficient natural daylight is available. Doors, windows or blinds should be kept open to make use of natural light.
  2. Use only half of the existing lighting. Unnecessary use of lights must be avoided.
  3. Switch off unnecessary lights, fans, air conditioners and other electrical equipment during office hours.
  4. Set air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius or higher.
  5. Switch off all lights, fans, air conditioners and other electrical equipment when leaving an office room.
  6. Stop using unnecessary lights in office corridors, staircases, washrooms and similar areas.
  7. Use energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
  8. Ensure that all electrical equipment, including lights, fans, computers, printers, scanners and air conditioners, is switched off at the end of office hours.
  9. Avoid all forms of decorative lighting.
  10. Limit the use of vehicles and ensure fuel-efficient practices.