Economy
Govt announce Temporary Closure of Secondary Schools Amidst Severe Heatwave
Government Temporarily Shuts Down Secondary Schools Nationwide as Heatwave Ravages Students
In response to the detrimental effects of an ongoing heatwave on student well-being, the government has declared the temporary closure of all secondary schools across the country, effective from Thursday. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) officially released a circular on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize the safety and health of students amidst the scorching temperatures. The decision comes as temperatures in the capital city of Dhaka reached an all-time high, with records showing consecutive days of intense heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Over the past week, Dhaka has been experiencing a relentless heatwave, taking a toll on the daily lives of its residents. The sweltering conditions have posed significant risks, particularly for school-going children, as prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Concerned authorities have been closely monitoring the situation and consulting with meteorological experts to assess the gravity of the heatwave.
The DSHE’s decision to suspend secondary school operations temporarily aims to safeguard students from the potentially hazardous consequences of the blistering heat. By implementing this measure, the government aims to prioritize the well-being of young learners, acknowledging the urgent need for a safe and conducive environment for educational pursuits. While the closure may disrupt academic schedules, ensuring the health and safety of students remains paramount.
To address the challenges presented by the heatwave, the government has been actively working to mitigate its impact. Local authorities have been instructed to initiate precautionary measures, such as providing adequate drinking water facilities, promoting awareness campaigns about heatstroke prevention, and urging citizens to remain indoors during peak daytime hours. Additionally, efforts are underway to equip schools with proper cooling systems and establish guidelines for managing extreme weather conditions in educational institutions.
Parents and guardians are advised to monitor weather updates regularly and take necessary precautions to safeguard their children from the adverse effects of the heatwave. The government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, will continue to closely monitor the situation and reassess the reopening of secondary schools once the heatwave subsides and conditions improve to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
