Long break leaves students balancing leisure, study and screens

Educational institutions across Bangladesh are observing an extended holiday, leaving many students adjusting to a different daily routine away from their classrooms.

The government has declared a 26-day break for primary and secondary institutions to mark the month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day.

As a result, regular classroom life has paused, and students are spending their time in different ways.

Many are active on social media or spending time with friends, while some noted that they are using the period to read, learn new skills, or online courses in graphic design, programming, or language learning.

Conversations with students from different levels suggest mixed feelings and experiences during the long break. While some students are enjoying their leisure, others are struggling with boredom.

Anindita Basak, a fourth-grade student at Motijheel Ideal School and College, continues her lessons with private tutors and attends weekly singing classes, keeping her days structured.

She said, "Although school is closed during the holiday, there is no break from studying. Two private tutors come to teach four days a week."

Anindita said, "It feels good not to have to wake up early in the morning."

Asifa Akter, a ninth-grade student at Pogoj Laboratory School and College, is not as happy with the holiday.

She said, "At first, it was nice to get a break. But without regular classes, it's hard to maintain the continuity of studies."

Parents have also expressed concern over increased screen time.

Siddika Khatun, mother of a student, complained that her child spends the whole day on the mobile phone. She blamed excessive social media use for her son's lack of interest in Studying.

She said, "My son is not at all attentive to his studies. He spends the whole day on Facebook and TikTok. Excessive mobile use is further reducing his attention span."