The education authorities have issued some guidelines as part of preparations to reopen educational institutions which have remained closed since March last year due to Covid pandemic. The teachers of primary schools have been instructed to return to their work places from Tuesday. Read:SSC, HSC exams either in Nov or Dec next: Education Minister The Primary Education Directorate asked the upazila/thana education officers to inspect the schools their jurisdiction within a week. Besides, it also gave instructions to keep the institutions clean and tidy by taking utmost care to prevent dengue. The primary school authorities were instructed to prepare their wash block accordingly. Besides, the Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education (DSHE) asked the regional directors to take necessary preparations to reopen schools and colleges. According to education ministry sources, most of the teachers and staffers of the educational institutions have been vaccinated. Read:Educational institutions to remain closed until July 31, says govt Besides, sources within the University Grants Commission claimed that around 80 % students of Dhaka University got their Covid jabs. However schools will reopen only after the covid positivity rate comes below 5 %, said a source of the education ministry. In that case, the closure of schools might be extended again. Director of DSHE professor Shahedul Kabir Chowdhury  said the regional directors  were asked to inspect and submit a report on the final preparations on resuming academic activities at educational institutions. Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Alamgir Md Mansurul Alam said teachers have been told to return to schools. Read:WB approves $191mn credit for Bangladesh’s education sector "We also instructed our officials to visit institutions and submit a report on preparations to reopen. Failure to do so will result in administrative actions," he added. The government shut down educational institutions on March 17, last year after the country reported its first Covid-19 cases on March 8. Then the closure was extended several times until August 31 this year.

Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam on Monday called for city dwellers’ cooperation in the drive against Aedes mosquito that causes dengue.  “The areas where Aedes mosquitoes can spread or breed have been identified and everybody knows how to destroy Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. There is no alternative other than creating more awareness to prevent dengue outbreak,” he said. The minister was speaking at a virtual inter-ministerial meeting on action to prevent the mosquito-borne diseases across the country. He said dengue must not be allowed to spread as the country is now struggling to rein the surging Covid infections. “Mosquitoes know no border and the people of entire country can’t be allowed to be harmed due to the irresponsibility of one or two men. Everyone should work in a coordinated way and perform their duties with responsibility,” he said. Responding to allegations of Aedes larvae being found in different establishments, Tajul said “It’s a major crime to be negligent in destroying the breeding centres of mosquitoes those found responsible for it will be penalised.” READ: Govt to import German machine to clean up floating garbage: LGRD Minister Besides, the two city corporations are conducting drives in this regard through mobile courts, he said. Tajul also urged the authorities concerned of under-construction buildings to use larvicide or kerosene on stagnant water over the basement or building roof. Committees will be formed after dividing each ward into ten sub zones and a councillor will lead the committee comprising members from the public, he said. The committee can be engaged in dealing with relief distribution, mosquito killing, waterlogging problem and natural disaster. READ: Government mulls National Water Grid Line: LGRD Minister