Schools to reopen tomorrow amid severe heatwave after nearly a month

Educational institutions across Bangladesh are scheduled to reopen tomorrow (21 April) — amid a severe heatwave with temperatures soaring to record highs —  after a prolonged holiday period that included Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Pohela Boishakh.

The highest temperature of the year was recorded at 41.5 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga yesterday. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh  Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert for the next three days, anticipating further temperature rises. 

"The temperature is unlikely to decrease in the next three days; rather, it may increase. There will be a heatwave throughout April, although its intensity may vary,” said Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, a meteorologist from Met office.

He added that the high humidity in the air may cause more discomfort for people.

Amid these challenging conditions, the government stayed firm on resuming educational activities, however, the Directorate of Primary and Mass Education directed to suspend daily assemblies at all its primary schools across the country until further notice.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians express concerns about the well-being of their children. 

"Reopening schools in such extreme weather conditions puts our children at risk, and it feels like their health is being overlooked," said Farah Khan, a concerned parent from Dhaka.

All secondary schools in Bangladesh began their holiday on 26 March, following the closure of colleges on 25 March. Primary schools and madrasas had already commenced their break on 22 March.