Urgency for girls to return to schools

Educationists, at a virtual dialogue organised by Brac, on October 11, stressed the need for bringing girls back to educational institutes as soon as the institutions open. The government may consider opening educational institutes as soon as possible.
Due to the pandemic, girls are attending classes online, but the majority of them do not have technological support. They have turned their faces from studies. Now they are passing idle time, or cooking, or supporting economic activities of their parents. Many of them are becoming victims to child marriage. One of the main reasons is that parents cannot ensure their safety and security and so they feel if their daughters are married, they would feel secure.
Opening the educational institutions as soon as possible will be a prudent decision. Girls should be especially taken care of so that they come back to schools/colleges. There should be a comprehensive plan on bringing our girl students back to educational institutions. The long-term well-being of the nation will depend on how wisely we have been able to educate our children, girls in particular.
MA Islam
Dhanmondi, Dhaka