On August 18, 2024, Bangladesh reopened its educational institutions after more than four weeks of closure due to political unrest. This move came after the government, facing fierce protests over job quota reforms, aimed to restore normality to the academic calendar.
Schools, colleges, and universities across the nation were closed indefinitely starting July 17, primarily to safeguard students amid violent clashes. The unrest had escalated during student-led demonstrations against the job quota system, demanding immediate reform.
The Ministry of Education issued directives on August 15 to reinstate educational activities across all institutions. A notification stated, "All concerned have been asked to take necessary steps to resume academic activities" starting August 18, following guidance from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
On the reopening day, school students were observed heading to their respective institutions, many accompanied by guardians. Dressed in uniforms, the students marked their return, which was viewed as pivotal to reestablishing the routine of education after weeks of interruptions.
The reopening, though widely welcomed, resulted in significant traffic congestion throughout Dhaka. The streets grew noticeably busier as students, parents, and staff navigated their way back to school amid the backdrop of calm returning to the area.
Originally, classes were set to restart on August 4 for all government primary schools, aside from those located within the 12 city corporations and Narsingdi municipality, which were also postponed. This delay highlighted the challenges faced by the educational sector amid the political turmoil, which had previously disrupted both classes and major examinations.
Postponed examinations for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalents are now scheduled to recommence on September 11, completing by October 23, as confirmed by revised routines. This clarity brings hope to students eager to return to their studies following the anxiety of the past weeks.
Classes at public universities have faced suspension since July 1 due to strikes by educators protesting against changes to their pension scheme. This prolonged closure, complicated by the political instability following the August 5 ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, exacerbated academic challenges.
Following the fall of the government, institutions belatedly announced reopening on August 7; yet, low attendance initially hindered normal operations. Although some classes resumed, the impact of the unrest was still palpable across the academic community.
The reinstatement of educational institutions marks a critical step toward stabilizing Bangladesh's educational framework, long shaken by political events. Authorities are now focused on not only restoring regular classes but also ensuring student safety and addressing the broader sociopolitical issues at play.
The educational institutions' reopening signifies hope for students across Bangladesh to resume their learning journeys amid recovering peace and order. While the focus now turns to academic normalcy, underlying tensions continue to linger, necessitating attention from both the government and the educational community.
