The government has decided to keep all public primary schools closed from June 5 to June 8 due to the severe heatwave sweeping the country.

The decision was taken considering the health safety of the children going to the schools, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said in a press release today.

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Severe heatwave across 4 northern districts likely to continue

Mahbubur Rahman, public relations officer of the ministry, who signed the statement, said other schools like kindergartens can follow the order if their authorities wish. 

A severe heatwave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Naogaon, Nilphamari and Dinajpur and it is likely to continue, Bangladesh meteorological Department said in a bulletin around 9:00am.

Meanwhile, a mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Barishal divisions and the rest parts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions and the districts of Moulvibazar, Chandpur and Noakhali and it may continue.

The prevailing heatwave in the country is likely to continue further for next five to six days.

A heatwave occurs when the daily maximum temperature tops 36ºC over a large area and it is classified into three categories based on temperature -- mild, moderate, and severe.

According to BMD, a mild heatwave is when the temperature is between 36 to 37.9ºC, moderate between 38ºC and 39.9ºC, and severe heatwave happens when the temperature is 40ºC and above.