Schools, colleges likely reopen after Eid-ul-Fitr: Minister

All primary, secondary and higher secondary educational institutions across the country may reopen after Eid-ul-Fitr instead of March 30 if the surge in coronavirus cases continues, Education Minister Dipu Moni said on Thursday.

The education minister made the comment while talking to reporters after attending a discussion organised marking Genocide Day at Bangabandhu Avenue.

“As the number of deaths from Covid-19 and new cases have been increasing rapidly over past few days, the decision on reopening will be reconsidered considering students’ safety,” she said.

The closure of educational institutions is likely to be extended till the Eid holiday in coordination with the closure of universities, the minister said.

The decision will be taken after a meeting with National Technical Advisory Committee on coronavirus and the final decision will be made public by tomorrow, she said.

On February 27, the minister announced that the government will reopen schools and colleges on March 30 after a year of shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On March 17 last year, the government closed all educational institutions aiming to contain the spread of coronavirus. The closure led to cancellation of exams and left academic calendars in disarray.