Educational institutions to reopen in phases once situation improves: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Sunday, ruled out the possibility of reopening educational institutions right now – saying that students are the future of the country and the government does not want to put them at risk.

She said the educational institutions across the country would reopen in phases due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"If we can overcome this [novel coronavirus] situation, we will open educational institutions gradually," said the prime minister while launching the results of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations through a video conference from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, on behalf of the prime minister, received the results from the chairmen of different education boards at her ministry.

Terming the present situation a crisis for the whole world, Sheikh Hasina asked all to have self-confidence.

"Self-confidence is the biggest thing. Whatever situation comes, we must face it," she said.

The prime minister said the government prioritises education as it knows that to build a hunger-and-poverty-free Bangladesh, there is no alternative to an educated nation.

"If the ray of education does not enter every house across the country, it will not be possible to eliminate poverty from the country," she said.

In this connection, she mentioned that the government had formulated the Education Policy, and was implementing it to make sure that the light of education reaches every house.

The prime minister said that students of the country are very brilliant and they can prove themselves if they have chances to do so.

She requested the students build themselves as worthy citizens of the country, imbued with patriotism and humanity, and said the government is providing all necessary support in this regard.

Dr Dipu Moni handed over a summary of the results to the prime minister, online, from her secretariat office. Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel was also present on the occasion.

PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and Prime Minister's Office Secretary Tofazzal Hossain Mian were present at Ganabhaban, while Secretary to the Secondary and Higher Secondary Division Md Mahbub Hossain moderated the results handover ceremony at the education ministry.