Closure of schools, collages to continue

Educational institutions will not reopen on June 13 as per earlier schedule. Further extension of the ongoing restrictions on public movement to curb the further spread of Covid-19, government has taken the decision not to reopen schools and colleges.

All in-person exam activities at university level has also suspended as the country battles the second wave of the pandemic.

Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel confirmed the decision on Sunday. 

"Our educational institutions are not going to reopen on June 13. The decision on reopening will come following the advice of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19,” he said.

The Cabinet on Sunday decided to extend the restrictions on public movement and gatherings, which were imposed on April 5, till June 16.

The deputy minister said: “Educational institutions will be reopened in phases. University halls and campuses will be reopened following the vaccination of students.

“The decision to allow in-person exams, made in accordance with the recommendations of the University Grants Commission (UGC), will remain suspended till June 16, due to the extension of restrictions on public movement.”

“We know that 60pc of all secondary and higher secondary level teachers have already been vaccinated. We plan to soon reopen primary schools by ensuring vaccines for teachers," the deputy minister said.

Earlier on May 27, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said the country's schools and colleges – which have remained closed since March 2020 – could potentially be reopened on June 13, depending on the Covid-19 situation. 

On May 31, the university apex body made it known that the initiative to inoculate all those involved with universities – students being prioritized the most – meant that resumption of in-person activities at the university level would occur at least two months from the day the inoculation process got underway.

But as the second wave of the pandemic is still going strong in the country, with the health authorities reporting 38 more deaths and 1,676 new cases of the disease in the 24 hours to Sunday morning, the government has again been forced to delay the reopening of educational institutions. 

In-person exams for varsities also suspended