Following the Eid-ul-Azha and summer break, secondary and technical institutions across Bangladesh have reopened today, Sunday, marking the reopening of academic activities after an extended hiatus. But, government-run primary schools are set to resume classes on Monday (June 24), with madrasas reopening later on Wednesday, June 26.
The educational institutions are opening at a time when growing apprehension is seen among health experts regarding the preparedness of educational institutions to manage potential resurgences of COVID-19 and the seasonal threat of dengue fever. With a view to dealing with the situation, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has distributed a comprehensive set of health and hygiene protocols aimed at minimizing transmission risks as students return to in-person learning.
The guidelines emphasize several precautionary measures: washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, wearing masks in enclosed or crowded areas, maintaining a physical distance of three feet from symptomatic individuals, avoiding face-touching with unwashed hands, and covering the mouth and nose with tissue or cloth when sneezing or coughing.
These health instructions come at a critical juncture, with intermittent spikes in COVID-19 cases being reported across different regions. Compounding the challenge is the arrival of the monsoon season, which has increased fears of dengue outbreaks, already reported in several districts.
Medical professionals and education officials have raised concerns over the lack of adequate safety arrangements in many schools and colleges. There are still many campuses that have not addressed mosquito breeding sites, and many institutions lacks of cleaning personnel and protective resources. As a result, some parents are worried about sending their children back to school under the current conditions.
According to the Ministry of Education, the academic break started on June 1, with vacation lengths varying by institution type. While madrasas enjoyed the longest holidays—up to 25 days—government and private colleges were granted a brief 10-day recess. Secondary and technical institutions had vacation periods falling between the two.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Azad Khan, Director General of DSHE, stated that in addition to imposing COVID-19 safety guidelines, institutions have been directed to ensure the cleanliness of classrooms, playgrounds, and campus premises to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Both the Directorate of Primary Education and the DSHE have commanded routine cleaning efforts before and after reopening, specifically pointing mosquito larvae elimination.
The Ministry of Education has further reassured the public that it is closely observing the overall health landscape and remains prepared to make policy adjustments if conditions deteriorate.
As academic life resumes, the upcoming weeks will serve as a vital litmus test for how effectively schools can navigate the intersection of education and public health. Officials continue to urge school authorities, educators, parents, and students to obey strictly to safety guidelines and maintain a collective sense of vigilance.
