Qawmi madrasas cleared to reopen amid pandemic

 

Situation not right to reopen schools and colleges, says Cabinet Secretary Khandker, Anwarul Islam

Although the government has not announced the reopening of other educational institutions, it has allowed Qawmi madrasas to resume academic activities.

The Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Education Ministry issued an order in this regard on Monday, reports Bangla Tribune.

The order, signed by the ministry’s Assistant Secretary Syed Asgar Ali, said the Qawmi madrasas had been cleared to re-commence the educational activities of their ‘Qitab’ division and hold examinations.

However, the madrasas have to fulfill the six following conditions:

• Every student must wear a mask, hand gloves, and a safety hat on the head.

• Students must sanitize their hands at the gates of their respective institutions before entering.

• Students must remain in their respective classrooms, and not move about in a disorderly fashion.

• A three feet distance must be maintained between every two students.

• There will be no embracing or handshaking.

• Teachers and staff also have to follow the health guidelines provided by the government.

On August 17, the Qawmi madrasas submitted a petition to the prime minister to allow them to reopen the “Qitab” division and hold exams. A copy of the petition was sent to the cabinet secretary.

‘Situation not right to reopen educational institutions’

Addressing the press, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam on Monday afternoon said the present situation was not right to reopen schools and colleges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government would announce the decision to open educational institutions only when the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic became favorable.