BD court orders closure of schools due to heat wave

Extensive scientific findings confirm that climate change is extending the duration, increasing the frequency, and intensifying the severity of heat waves.

In Dhaka, average temperatures have surged 4-5 degrees Celsius above the 30-year average for the past week. Tragically, seven individuals have lost their lives due to the extreme heat since the beginning of this month, with maximum temperatures in the capital projected to persist above 40 degrees until Thursday.

Responding to the crisis, a two-judge bench of the High Court has issued a mandate to close all primary and secondary schools, as well as madressahs, in light of the heat wave. Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Saifuzzaman explained that the court’s decision came after learning of the deaths of several teachers due to the intense heat.

With Bangladesh observing a work week from Sunday to Thursday, the directive entails that schools remain shuttered, affecting an estimated 32 million students, until the upcoming Sunday.

Previously, the government had enforced a week-long national closure of schools starting from April 21 as the heat wave persisted, but this measure was rescinded over the weekend.

Classes resumed in Dhaka on Sunday, marked by the presence of anxious relatives accompanying their children to the school premises.