Action will be taken against those who will defy health protocols in their educational institutions, said Education Minister Dipu Moni.

“If any violation of Covid norms is seen at educational institutions, action will be taken against those responsible for that, no matter whether he/she is a teacher or an official from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE),” she said.  

The education minister came up with the warning while talking to reporters after visiting Azimpur Government Girls’ School and College in the city on Sunday.

Read: Students in Bangladesh burst into joy as schools, colleges reopen

“The Covid infection rate has dropped to 7 percent, and when we had a meeting on August 26, we witnessed a downtrend. After considering it, we took the decision to reopen the educational institutions. The students have been suffering a lot socially and mentally due to the prolonged closure of the educational institutions,” she said.

If there is any possibility of a surge in Covid cases, then there is an option to shut schools, colleges again, she added.

Everyone should keep it in mind that Dengue cases are on the rise alongside Covid-19 and the experts asked to wear full-pants and full-sleeves uniform for avoiding any mosquito bite, she said. 

The school and college authorities should take steps to maintain cleanliness at their institutions to prevent dengue,” said Dipu.

Read: No tiffin, masks at a premium, & may close again: Students return to school tomorrow

She also urged the guardians to leave the school premises after dropping their kids, otherwise, there would be a problem. If any guardian needs to stay at the school premises, then she/he should also maintain health protocols.   

Reopening of universities

Replying to a question about the reopening of universities, the Education Minister said, “The syndicates and academic councils of the universities will take the decision though we have a preparation to reopen those in the middle of October. We’ll sit next week.”

Talking about tuition fees, the minister said, “The authorities concerned can take their monthly tuition fees as those were fixed before, and the educational institutions can’t be inhuman over it.”  

She also urged both sides to tackle the issue rationally.

Speaking about examinations, Dipu said, “We’ll definitely take exams if the situation improves, and we need to assess the students. After assessment, we’ll make a decision over extending the academic year or to have a new academic year.”

Read: Fresh Covid surge may lead to school closure again: Dipu Moni

Joyous reopening   

The students of schools and colleges in Bangladesh returned to their classrooms on Sunday with much enthusiasm after a long closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With the return of thousands of students, the campuses wore a festive look with all covering faces with masks and maintaining social distance.