The Ministry of Education has decided to close all schools and colleges across the country for an indefinite period. This decision comes because of safety concerns due to the ongoing quota reform protests. The announcement was made through a press release on Tuesday night.
The press release stated, “For the safety of students, all schools, colleges, and polytechnic institutes under the Ministry of Education will be closed until further notice.”
Students have been protesting for quota reforms since July 1. On Monday, there were violent clashes between the protesting students and the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party, at Dhaka University. The university campus turned into a battlefield with attacks and counter-attacks continuing until 9 PM.
Similar incidents occurred at Jahangirnagar University, where students sought shelter in the Vice-Chancellor’s residence to escape attacks. Students reported being beaten by Chhatra League members there too. Clashes with the police also happened, with students eventually chasing away the Chhatra League members.
The Ministry of Education has made this decision to ensure the safety of all students during this unstable time.