The government has directed the education authorities to close both primary and secondary schools if the mercury drops below 10 degrees Celsius as academic activities are being disrupted across districts due to cold wave.
The development came as the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and the Department of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) gave the directive in two separate circulars issued on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, the DSHE decided to close secondary schools in the districts where the temperature drops below 17 degrees.
In a fresh announcement, it reads that secondary schools in districts where the maximum temperature falls below 10 degrees will close in coordination with local education officials.
According to the circular, severe cold waves in weeks have been disrupting academic activities across districts. In case of any closure, the schools will reopen after temperature rises to 10 degrees or above, it reads.
The government took the decision against the backdrop of the bone-chilling temperature has been sweeping over the country for a couple of days now.
People, the elderly and children, have been facing health-related issues because of this dwindling temperature.
In its weather forecast, the Met office said moderate-to-thick fog might occur countrywide from midnight until morning and it might continue till noon at some places.
Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may disrupt temporarily due to fog.
Night and day temperatures may rise slightly over the country. Cold day conditions are likely to prevail at places over the country. The minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees was recorded at Srimangal and maximum 27.3 degrees at Teknaf.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department anticipates this cold wave to persist, reports UNB.
According to meteorological standards, temperatures ranging from 8.0 to 10 degrees signify a mild cold wave, 6.0-8.0 degrees a moderate one and below 6.0 degrees a severe cold wave.
The cold wave's impact is palpable among the populace, with Dhaka residents and others feeling winter's bite more acutely in recent days.
The northern regions are experiencing even harsher conditions, where the intense cold has significantly hampered daily activities.
In summary, Bangladesh is currently facing a challenging winter, with lower temperatures affecting daily life and transportation across various regions.
Mild cold wave is sweeping over the districts of Madaripur, Gopalganj, Dinajpur, Barishal and Bhola and it may abate from some places.
Ridge of sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending its trough to North Bay.
The sun set at 5:33 pm on yesterday (Tuesday) and rises at 06.44 am today (Wednesday).
nsrafsanju@gmail.com