All educational institutions shut till 31 March: Govt

The government has shut all educational institutions till 31 March as precautionary measures to avoid coronavirus infection.

Deputy education minister Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury confirmed this to Prothom Alo on Monday.

Coronavirus, first detected in the city Wuhan of China, has spread to over 120 countries and territories around the world.

It has infected 169,552 people and killed 6,516 globally as of Monday, UNB quoted worldometer as saying.

Bangladesh is also affected by the coronavirus and 8 cases have been confirmed so far. Three of them are released from the hospital after recovery.

Meanwhile, Dhaka University authorities temporarily suspended academic activities advancing the summer vacation for the students.

On the basis of 36 teachers’ opinion, classes and examinations of the university between 18 and 28 March have also been suspended.

The presence of students at the educational institutions of the capital decreased amid fears of a coronavirus outbreak.

A section of students of Dhaka University, Bangladesh Agriculture University, BUET and CUET started boycotting classes while university teachers also issued statements demanding suspension of classes.

Earlier, the education ministry said they would take steps as per the advice of the health ministry. But health minister Zahid Malek said the education ministry would decide on shutting down the educational institutions.

Principal of Motijheel Ideal School and College Shahan Ara Begum said only 50 to 60 per cent students were present in her school on Sunday.

Principal of Viqarunnisa School and College Fauzia said the presence of class four students of morning shift was thin on Sunday. The presence was above 50 per cent in day shift.

At least 40 students of 96 departments and institutes boycotted classes and examinations.

BUET students also did not attend classes on Sunday like the previous day.

Students of Rajshahi University also raised demands to close down the university. Students of all years of Mass Communication and Journalism have decided to boycott classes and examinations.

The presence of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) students also decreased. Students of Jagannath University also decided to boycott classes form Monday.