With the weather settling and rains providing relief from the scorching heat, primary schools across Bangladesh are getting ready to resume their normal activities from Tuesday (May 7).
In a circular issued by Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin, Senior Information Officer of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, it was announced that all activities, including class sessions, would resume as per the 2024 academic year calendar.
This decision involves government primary schools, Child Welfare Trust primary schools, and non-formal education bureau learning centres, ensuring a uniform approach to education continuity.
The recent interruption in school activities came as a result of adverse weather conditions, prompting a week-long closure of primary schools from April 28th.
While schools did reopen thereafter, adjustments were made to accommodate the challenging circumstances. Class hours were reduced, and assemblies, the daily gatherings integral to school life, were temporarily suspended to safeguard the well-being of students.
With the weather stabilising and the return of normalcy, primary schools are now poised to return to their regular routines.
Starting from Tuesday (May 7), classes, pre-primary sessions, and assemblies will resume across the board. This marks a significant step towards restoring the educational rhythm that was momentarily disrupted by the weather-induced hiatus.
The schedule for classes will adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Department of Primary Education.
In one-shift primary schools, classes will commence at 9:00 AM and conclude at 4:15 PM. For two-shift schools, the first shift will run from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM, followed by the second shift from 12:00 PM to 4:15 PM.
However, it is worth noting that the specified schedule will apply specifically to Dhaka city, with variations likely to be determined by the education officers of respective upazilas for pre-primary classes.
The recent adjustment in school schedules, particularly the reduction of class hours, was primarily driven by concerns over the prevailing heatwave. With temperatures soaring, authorities took proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed to young students.
However, with the onset of rain providing relief from the intense heat, schools are now in a position to revert to their regular timetables.
As primary schools prepare to resume full-scale operations, the focus remains on ensuring a conducive learning environment for students. With the cooperation of educators, administrators, and parents, efforts are underway to facilitate a seamless transition back to normalcy in the educational landscape.