Dhaka: Despite a relentless heatwave scorching the region, schools across Bangladesh flung open their doors on Sunday, as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), as per forecasts by the meteorological department. The decision to resume classes comes amidst the extension of a 72-hour heat alert until April 30, underlining the severity of the weather conditions.
Following a prolonged hiatus due to holidays marking Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, students returned to classrooms, albeit under the oppressive heat, raising concerns about their readiness for impending year-end exams.
Bornali Hossain, Principal of Meherunnesa Girls’ School, voiced her apprehensions, stating, “Our academic activities are being hampered due to this long break including Ramadan and Eid holidays. This is the time for academic studies for final exams at the end of the year. We will try our best to catch up till the government provides the next directive.”
The Ministry of Education has implemented precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the scorching temperatures. Daily assemblies are suspended until further notice, and outdoor class activities, susceptible to sunlight exposure, are curtailed.
Despite these measures, parents remain anxious about their children’s well-being in the blistering heat. Sumana Ahmed, mother of a six-year-old, expressed her concerns, stating, “The weather is unbearable. What will happen if my daughter gets sick?”
Climate scientists point to the exacerbation of heatwaves by climate change, manifesting in more frequent, severe, and prolonged episodes during the summer months. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and stay hydrated amidst the challenging conditions.
Kamrun Nahar, a mother of two students, highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the heatwave, saying, “My home is far. My younger daughter’s class breaks early, but the elder one is still in school. Both of our two-way journeys by buses are tiresome due to the unbearable heatwave.”
As Bangladesh grapples with the dual challenges of extreme weather and educational continuity, the reopening of schools amid a heatwave underscores the resilience and adaptability of its education system.
