Primary schools across Bangladesh have reopened on Tuesday after nearly a month of closure. The schools were closed due to student protests over quota reform.
On July 17, all government primary schools under eight city corporations were declared closed for an indefinite period. The closure was put in place as tensions rose during demonstrations by students demanding changes to the quota system. These protests created safety concerns for the students, leading to the decision to close the schools.
After weeks of uncertainty, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued an order to reopen the schools. The announcement to resume academic activities was made on Tuesday. The order applied to all government primary schools under the ministry. It also included primary schools operated by the Children's Welfare Trust and learning centers run by the Bureau of Non-Formal Education.
Students in the capital were seen going to their schools in the morning. However, attendance was lower than expected due to ongoing safety concerns. Many parents were hesitant to send their children back to school, fearing the possibility of more disruptions.
The reopening of schools marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy in the education sector. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the safety and well-being of students. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement announcing the reopening of all educational institutions from August 6. Despite the reopening, the fear and uncertainty among parents and students remain a concern.
Efforts are now focused on encouraging parents to send their children back to school and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further disruptions.