Schools closed in five districts including Dhaka

Schools closed in five districts including Dhaka

In response to the prevailing heatwave conditions across various districts of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Education has taken the decision to suspend educational activities in certain regions. This decision comes after consultations with the Health Ministry and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid the extreme weather conditions.

Affected Districts and Institutions

Educational activities under the secondary level and vocational educational institutions in Dhaka, Chuadanga, Jashore, Khulna, and Rajshahi districts have been suspended for Monday, April 29, 2024. The decision encompasses both public and private educational institutions within these districts.

Official Notice

A handout signed by MA Khayer, the public relations officer of the Ministry of Education, confirms the suspension of educational activities. However, institutions equipped with air conditioning facilities have the option to remain open.

Further Decision

The Ministry of Education has indicated that a further decision regarding the continuation of the suspension will be made known on Monday, April 29, 2024. This decision will likely be informed by ongoing assessments of the weather conditions and consultation with relevant authorities.

Background

The heatwave, which has persisted since the beginning of April, has prompted concerns among guardians, particularly those with primary level students. Despite the resumption of classes on Sunday, April 28, 2024, there has been no significant alleviation in the heatwave conditions, exacerbating worries among the community.

Meteorological Warning

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a warning indicating that the ongoing heatwave may persist for the next 72 hours, starting from Sunday morning. This warning underscores the severity of the weather conditions and the need for precautionary measures.

Previous Extensions

Educational institutions were initially scheduled to reopen on April 21, 2024, following the conclusion of Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. However, the closure was extended until April 27, 2024, due to the relentless heatwave affecting the country.

The suspension of educational activities in select districts underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of students amidst challenging weather conditions. Further updates regarding the status of educational activities will be communicated following Monday's decision.