Bangladesh's Ministry of Education has officially instructed the reopening of all educational institutions across the country as part of the efforts to restore normalcy following a period of significant unrest and disruption. This move comes after more than a month of closure due to violent protests that had enveloped the nation and led to considerable upheaval in the education sector.
The closures began on July 17, in response to escalating violence related to student-led protests demanding changes to the job quota system. These demonstrations, which became increasingly intense, eventually contributed to the political downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government decided to close all schools, colleges, and universities to ensure the safety of students amid the chaotic situation.
The Ministry of Education, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, issued a directive on August 15 to resume academic activities. This directive was promptly acted upon, and all educational institutions, including universities, secondary schools, and colleges, reopened their doors to students on August 18. The decision to resume classes has been a significant development, marking a return to normalcy for students and educators alike.
The reopening of schools has led to notable traffic congestion in various parts of Dhaka city, reflecting the large number of students and parents traveling to educational institutions. The regular working week in Bangladesh, which runs from Sunday to Thursday, resumed with the return of students to their classes.
The initial plan was for classes to resume on August 4 for government primary schools, with certain exceptions in the 12 city corporations and Narsingdi municipality. However, this plan was delayed due to the ongoing unrest. With the reopening, there is a renewed focus on resuming the academic calendar, which had been significantly disrupted.
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations, which had also been postponed due to the protests, are now set to resume on September 11. The revised schedule for these exams extends through October 23, providing students with a clear timeline for completing their assessments.
Public universities had already been facing challenges even before the protests due to a teachers' strike that began on July 1, in response to a contentious new pension scheme. Following the political changes and the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, educational institutions were declared open on August 7. Despite this, the full resumption of academic activities was hindered by low student attendance, reflecting the ongoing impact of the political crisis.
The reopening of educational institutions is a crucial step towards stabilizing the education sector and providing a conducive environment for learning. The Ministry of Education's swift action aims to address the disruptions caused by recent political and social unrest and facilitate the return of students and teachers to their educational routines. This development is expected to bring relief to students and educators, helping to restore the academic calendar and support the overall educational framework in the country.
Â
