The government on Friday asked all schools and colleges to resume online or virtual classes, as it announced the closure of schools and all educational institutions again from January 21 till February 6, due to a surge in Covid-19 transmission.

The directorate of secondary and higher education (DSHE) in an 11-point directive yesterday also asked the educational institutions authorities keep up their efforts to vaccinate all students aged 12 to 17.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification with a five-point directive in this regard, adding that university authorities will take their own decision about closure.

The directive issued by DSHE acting director general professor Shahedul Khabir Chowdhury, also asked all schools and madrasas to keep all sports competitions suspended until further orders.

The DSHE also said offices of the educational institutions will remain open, adding that heads of the institutions can engage teachers and staffers in work for emergencies but will have to maintain health rules.

Dormitories may remain open while maintaining health protocols until further notice.

The authorities concerned will take measures to keep electricity, telephone, water, internet connections uninterrupted in classes, libraries and laboratories.

Special importance will be given on maintenance and security of assets of the institutions during the period, while regular cleaning will continue as before.

On March 17, 2020, the government shut down schools and other educational institutions across the country to contain the spread of Covid-19. In-person classes resumed partially at the institutions on September 12, 2021, after the situation improved.

The ministries concerned launched TV education programmes through state-run Sangsad television channel for secondary and primary students. Later, they asked all schools to introduce online education.

Most students in urban areas have access to learning through the internet, but the digital divide has so far proved to be a great disadvantage for underprivileged learners, mainly for a lack of devices and poor internet access.