Schools, varsities will make up learning losses of students

With schools and universities reopening, Education Minister Dipu Moni on Wednesday expressed the hope that the academic institutions would compensate the students for learning losses caused by the Covid-induced closure, report agencies.

"The students have been going through mental trauma for the past two years. Now with the educational institutions across the country reopening, efforts will be made to make up for the learning losses," she said.

"Though it is not possible to recoup the losses in one academic year, it can be minimised. Better days are ahead," Dipu Moni told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the book distribution activities of classes XI and XII at National Curricula and Textbook Board (NCTB) headquarters Wednesday morning.

"In-person classes for primary school students resumed on Wednesday while physical classes at all secondary, higher secondary and university-level educational institutions resumed earlier. We hope we can soon return to normal academic activities," she said.

Dipu Moni also urged the authorities concerned to make up for the teaching losses endured by those who passed this year's HSC, through adequate assignments.

Describing the demand of the students of seven DU-affiliated colleges for separate universities as 'illogical', she said, "The problem will be resolved soon and the authorities concerned are taking an initiative to reduce the session jam. Exam results will also be published soon."

Earlier in the day, junior students were excited to return to campus as physical classes resumed in primary schools after yet another Covid-induced closure

All primary-level educational institutions reopened on Tuesday after over a month of closure due to a renewed surge in Covid-19 cases largely due to the Omicron strain.

School staff, particularly teachers, made an extra effort to give the children a warm welcome, also ensuring adherence to all Covid-safety protocols.

In view of the declining Covid cases across Bangladesh, the government on February 18 announced the resumption of in-person classes at primary schools from March 1.

Meanwhile, pre-primary schools are set to reopen on March 20 after almost two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to resume in-person learning was taken in light of a drop in COVID-19 infections in the country, the Directorate of Primary Education said in a notice on Wednesday.