DU students vacate halls amid 2-week academic suspension over earthquake scare
After multiple earthquakes throughout two days, the university authorities announced that all academic activities would remain suspended for two weeks starting today.
Students of Dhaka University are leaving their dormitories following the announcement of a two-week closure and instructions to vacate residential halls due to emergency conditions arising from recent earthquakes.
Students began moving out of their halls this morning (23 November). A visit to Rokeya Hall, Shamsunnahar Hall and surrounding hall areas around midday showed students packing their essential belongings and leaving the campus.
Earlier, after multiple earthquakes throughout two days, the university authorities announced late last night (22 November) that all academic activities would remain suspended for two weeks starting today.
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The decision was taken to repair vulnerable dormitory buildings and ensure safety. Students were also instructed to vacate their halls by 5pm today.
Swarna Das, a resident student of Sufia Kamal Hall, left the hall early in the morning and headed to her home in Jhalakathi. She told The Business Standard over phone, "I have tutoring commitments. This sudden closure has put me in trouble. Since there is no option to stay on campus, I'm forced to return home."
Sharif Ahmed Sohan, a student of Sir AF Rahman Hall, said , "Our third-semester final exams were supposed to start on 1 December. But now a 15-day closure has been announced. So I'm going home."
Meanwhile, many students are facing difficulties due to the sudden notice, especially those with tuition jobs, part-time work, or pre-scheduled commitments.
Jannatul Ferdous, a resident student of Shamsunnahar Hall, said, "I have to work because of my internship. Suddenly, with less than 24 hours' notice, we were told to vacate the hall. I don't have anywhere to stay in Dhaka, and I can't take leave from the office either. I have no choice but to stay at a friend's place."
