All educational institutions reopening on 18 August

The government has decided to reopen all educational institutions across the country on 18 August.

Chief Adviser Dr Mumammad Yunus issued a directive today (15 August) in this regard, according to a notice issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division. 

The notification asked all educational institutions to comply with the directive.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education had instructed primary schools to resume classes starting 14 August. Following this, the education ministry has now extended the directive to all educational levels.

The closure of educational institutions began after a student-led movement advocating for quota reforms in government jobs turned violent on 15 July. The resulting clashes, particularly in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangpur, led to the deaths of six people, including students and passersby. 

In response to the escalating violence, the previous government had announced the closure of all educational institutions.

On 17 July, schools in eight divisional city corporation areas were initially closed, and subsequently, primary schools across the country were also shut down due to worsening conditions.

Although the AL government had initially planned to reopen schools in all areas except certain city corporations and Narsingdi district from 4 August, this was postponed due to further deteriorating conditions.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that educational institutions would reopen on 7 August. Despite this, many schools remained closed until a formal directive was issued by the education ministry.