All classes and examinations at Dhaka University will remain suspended from today (Monday) until March 28, coinciding with the Eid holiday, following a directive from the Ministry of Education.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of SMT on Sunday night, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.

During the meeting, members discussed a government notification and a letter from the University Grants Commission regarding the suspension of academic activities.

According to the decision, university offices will remain open as usual on March 9. Authorities will announce later whether administrative activities and offices will continue operating after that date.

Earlier on Sunday, a letter signed by Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Md. Sultan Ahmed, stated that in the current global situation, it is necessary to conserve electricity and fuel at the national level. Therefore, officials and employees of all public and private universities have been asked to ensure responsible behavior and take measures to save electricity and fuel.

To implement the directive of the Cabinet Division and considering the month of Ramadan, all universities will remain closed from Monday until the date specified in the academic calendar for the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

The directive also instructed universities to follow several energy-saving measures, including avoiding the use of electric lights during the daytime when sufficient natural light is available and keeping windows, doors, or blinds open to allow sunlight. Institutions have been asked to use only half of the existing lighting where possible and avoid unnecessary lights.

Additionally, during office hours, unnecessary lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances must be switched off. When using air conditioners, the temperature should be set at 25 degrees Celsius or higher. Officials have also been instructed to turn off lights, fans, air conditioners, and all electrical equipment before leaving their offices.

The directive further states that unnecessary lighting in corridors, staircases, and washrooms should be avoided, energy-efficient equipment should be used, and all electrical appliances including lights, fans, computers, printers, scanners, and air conditioners must be switched off after office hours.

Universities have also been advised to avoid decorative lighting, limit the use of vehicles, and ensure economical use of fuel.