The Bangladesh government has announced a week-long closure of educational institutions due to severe heatwaves affecting the region. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education have issued separate statements declaring that all primary and secondary schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions will shut down until April 27.
Originally set to reopen after the Eidul Fitr holiday, these institutions will now resume classes on April 27. This decision follows a consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and aligns with a 72-hour heat alert initiated by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department starting Friday.
On Friday, temperatures soared past 41°C (105°F), prompting the issuance of the heat alert. The forecast suggests an intensification of the heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise further. Four of Bangladesh’s seven divisions are experiencing temperatures above 40°C, indicating a severe heatwave.
The record high for this season was set in Jessore district at 42.6°C on Saturday. Adding to the challenges posed by the extreme heat, residents are grappling with frequent power outages throughout the country.
