Dhaka University (DU) authorities have decided not to offer online classes before Eid-ul-Fitr amid the ongoing government ‘holiday’ brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision came at a virtual meeting of the Dean’s committee – chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof M Akhtaruzzaman – on Monday.

A press release was issued by the university in this regard.

Most DU students who are in their village homes due to the coronavirus driven ‘holiday’ do not have the capacity or resources to take part in online classes, observed the university administration.

Besides, many are also financially insolvent, they added.

Considering the lack of internet access in rural areas of the country and the scarcity of electronic devices required by one to participate in virtual classes, the university has decided not to take online classes right now.

“If the ongoing uncertain shutdown extends further, online classes can be held after the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr upon ensuring proper technical support for teachers and students,” read the DU press release.

In the meeting, the university also agreed on holding extra classes and running academic activities on weekends to make up the learning loss caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Also, the meeting requested all teachers to keep their students involved in learning activities in all ways possible so that they do not become frustrated during this long holiday.

All affiliated colleges and institutes including medical colleges have also been requested to follow the mentioned directions.

The meeting also urged all affiliated institutes, especially the medical colleges, to take good care of the international students who study there and are now stranded because of the worldwide travel restrictions.  

Earlier, on March 16, Dhaka  University suspended all of its academic activities.

Since then they have extended this suspension multiple times following the government directive of the countrywide shutdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.

As of Monday, Bangladesh confirmed 15,692 coronavirus cases with the death toll rising to 239 after 11 new fatalities were reported.

Till now the fast-spreading coronavirus has claimed more than 284,000 lives and infected more than 4,201,000 people globally, according to Worldometer.

As many as 1,502,000 people have recovered from Covid-19, which has spread to 210 countries and territories across the world.

Deshsangbad/dt/fh/mmh