In a drastic response to the unrelenting cold wave, authorities in Joypurhat, Kurigram and Rajshahi districts have announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools. This unprecedented move comes as temperatures plummet, posing significant challenges to the local communities, reports UNB.
In Joypurhat, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Salehin Tanvir Gazi said that in light of the severe cold conditions, they have decided to shut all primary and secondary educational institutions for two days (Sunday and Monday). The decision follows a report from the nearby Naogaon meteorological office, which recorded temperatures in Joypurhat district dipping below 10 degrees Celsius.
In Kurigram, adding to the winter's grip, the Kurigram district administration has extended the closure of 1,848 educational institutions, including primary, secondary schools and madrasas, until temperatures rise above 10 degrees Celsius. Kurigram DC Mohammad Saidul Arif advised students to stay indoors and continue their studies, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The cold snap has dramatically altered daily life in Joypurhat. As of 11:30 am on Sunday, the sun remained hidden, compelling vehicles to ply the streets with headlights on, a rare sight for the region.
In Rajshahi, all secondary-level schools in the northern district of Rajshahi have been declared closed for two days, starting from Sunday, due to severe cold.
All primary-level schools are also closed on Sunday, according to an official notification signed by Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury, deputy director (acting) of secondary and higher secondary education in Rajshahi zone.
Local meteorological department on Saturday predicted that the district would experience less than 10 degrees Celsius temperature for the next two days (January 21 and 22).
Following the forecast, education officers of the district held a meeting on Saturday and took the decision to keep the primary and secondary schools closed.
Saidul Islam, primary education officer of the district, said the news agency's Rajshahi correspondent, "Observing Sunday's weather, the next course of action will be decided," he said.
The district witnessed a fall of four degree Celsius temperature within a span of two days. The local Met Office Saturday recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius temperature against 13.8 degree Celsius a day before.
Rajib Khan, observer at Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature in Rajshahi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius on January 13. The second lowest temperature of the season was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 7:30 am on Saturday.
On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius, he said.
The temperature also decreased on Saturday after dense fog had descended, he said, forecasting that such weather may persist throughout January.
On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to the circular, "A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district."
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