Schools reopen as temps drop

Academic activities and classes at all secondary schools resumed on Sunday after a period of frequent changes due to the ongoing heat-wave, report agencies.

According to the met office, temperatures across the country dropped to some extent from well over 40 degrees Celsius a week ago, leading to the suspension of lessons. Meanwhile, the met office also forecasted that rain or thunder showers are likely in some areas of the country within the next 24 hours starting at 9am on Sunday.

Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical educational institutions have been opened, subject to the conditions published earlier on April 25 by the secondary and higher secondary division.

These conditions include shortening the duration of each class and suspending all outdoor activities. However, all pre-primary level classes will remain closed until further notice.

Bangladesh has wavered over reopening schools for some 33 million students amid pressure to prepare pupils for exams, even as the worst heatwave in seven decades sent temperatures as high as 43.8 C (110.84° Fahrenheit) last week.

Many people have died across the region, and experts warned the heat could exacerbate inequalities, widen a learning gap between developing and developed nations in the tropics.

Bangladesh, which follows the Islamic work week from Sunday to Thursday, will hold classes on Saturdays until further notice, the education ministry said.

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has said schools would open on Friday if needed to complete the curriculum. Parents have welcomed the decision.

"Children don't want to study at home. This will help them make up for the loss," said Fatema Akhtar, who was waiting to pick up her grade-two daughter outside a school.

Scientists have said climate change is causing more frequent, severe, and lengthy heat waves during summer months.

The UN children's agency has estimated that one in three children, or nearly 20 million children, in low-lying Bangladesh bear the brunt of such climate change every day.

Intense heat-waves have caused water shortages and frequent power cuts, hitting the key apparel sector which accounts for more than 80 per cent of exports and supplies retailers such as H&M, Walmart and Gap Inc.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Metrological Department said rain or thunder showers are likely in some places of Dhaka and six other divisions in 24 hours commencing 9am on Sunday.

"Rains or thunder showers accompanied by gusty or squally wind is likely at a few places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions with hails at isolated places," said a Met office bulletin.

Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.

Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna & Barishal divisions and it may abate from some places, it added.

Day and night temperature may fall slightly over Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country.