Schools to stay shut if temp below 10°C

Education authorities in any district can shut down schools if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, said the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) in separate circulars on Tuesday.

According to the circulars, the regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under primary and secondary levels shut if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.

Talking to The Business Post, DSHE Director General Professor Nehal Ahmed said, “We have decided to keep the schools closed considering the hassle of the children across the country due to low temperatures”.

Earlier in the Tuesday afternoon, the DSHE issued a letter saying that the educational institutions can keep closed if the temperature is below 17 degrees Celsius. After one hour of the letter, it issued another notice changing its previous direction and fixed below 10 degrees Celsius.

According to the weather bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Tuesday morning, Sreemangal in Moulvibazar district experienced the lowest temperature at 9.7 degrees Celsius, indicating a mild cold wave impacting several regions.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature of the country on Monday was recorded 24.5 degrees Celsius at Cox’s Bazar.

On Monday, Barishal recorded the lowest temperature at 9 degrees Celsius. People outside the capital, especially in the northern region, experienced a frosty and foggy morning, with the sun remaining obscured in many districts.

BMD anticipates the cold wave is likely to persist, with temperatures likely to drop further. However, 6 killed in Rangpur on Sunday and Monday due to cold-related diseases and fires lit for warmth.