Schools to stay closed for two more weeks

The government has extended the closure of all the educational institutions for two more weeks as the country continues to witness a sharp spike in Covid-19 infections every day.

“The decision was taken as per recommendations made by National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19,” Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer Abul Khair said while confirming the matter to The Business Post on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni hinted the extension while talking to the media.

When asked if the closure would extend beyond February 6, the minister said, “The National Technical Advisory Committee has recommended extending the closure some more. We are observing the overall observation.”

“Covid daily infection rate is still almost 30 per cent. Perhaps we will observe the situation for another week after February 6. If needed, a different decision may also come,” she added.

Earlier on January 21, Health Minister Zahid Maleque announced educational institutions were to be closed for two weeks until February 6.

The announcement came just four months after the resumption of in-person educational activities.

After a long shutdown of 18 months in the wake of the raging Covid-19 pandemic, primary, secondary and higher secondary schools opened doors on September 12 to resume in-person classes and examinations.

The educational institutions had been shut since March 17, 2020, in Bangladesh after the country reported its first Covid cases on March 8. Later, the closure was extended in phases.