Dhaka: Bangladesh reopened all educational institutions on Sunday, ending more than a month of closures due to the violent unrest surrounding student-led protests that contributed to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The institutions, which include universities, secondary schools, and colleges, had been closed indefinitely since July 17 for student safety following clashes related to the movement demanding reforms in the job quota system.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Education issued a directive to resume academic activities, effective August 18. The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Mosammat Rahima Akhtar, stated that all institutions should reopen per the instructions of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Somoy Television, a Dhaka-based Bengali news channel, reported that the authorities instructed school administrations to ensure smooth transitions back to normal operations. According to the Daily Star, students in uniform were seen returning to their schools on Sunday morning, many accompanied by parents. However, the reopening caused severe traffic congestion in several areas of Dhaka city.
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Bangladesh observes a working week from Sunday to Thursday. While the reopening was expected to occur earlier in the month, on August 4, for government primary schools outside of major city corporations, it was delayed.
The postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams will now resume on September 11, with the revised schedule showing the exams concluding on October 23.
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Public universities also remain affected, having suspended classes since July 1 due to teachers’ strikes against a new pension scheme. Though the Sheikh Hasina government fell on August 5, and institutions were declared open two days later, many schools and universities saw low student attendance, hindering the full resumption of academic activities.
