Dhaka University not starting online classes before Eid

The Dhaka University authorities today decided not to go for online classes before Eid-ul-Fitr as a large number of students have no or limited internet access.

The decision came following a meeting of the deans with the university Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, said a press release of the university.

"Participants of the meeting mentioned that many students who are currently staying at their village homes are not capable of joining online classes as they do not have internet access. Besides, many are financially insolvent. Under these circumstances, it would not be possible to hold online classes right now," reads the release.

"Online classes can be held after Eid upon ensuring technical support and other facilities for teachers and students if the ongoing closure extends further," it added.

Talking to The Daily Star, DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman said the university has to ensure the necessary technical support for teachers and students to go for online classes.

The meeting also reached a consensus on taking classes on weekends and holding extra classes to make up for academic losses.

The meeting was organised to evaluate the feasibility of online classes and to find the way and necessary steps to mitigate the academic losses the students may face due to the ongoing closure of the university.

A week after the country reported its first Covid-19 case on March 8, the DU authorities suspended all academic activities till March 28. The suspension, which was later extended for an indefinite period, resulted in the cancellation of mid-term examinations of many departments.