Schools close for 40 days: Extended break begins, classes to resume in April

Educational institutions across the country are now officially closed for a stretch of 40 days. 

Starting today, March 2, schools will remain shut until April 8, with the break encompassing several key holidays, including Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and other national celebrations.

The final day of classes was February 27, just before the regular Friday-Saturday weekend break. Following this, the long holiday period began. 

This closure applies to all levels of educational institutions, both government and private.

According to the academic calendar, the holidays cover the entire holy month of Ramadan, along with festivals like Holi, Independence Day, Jumu‍‍`atul Wida, Shab-e-Qadr, and Eid-ul-Fitr. With Ramadan starting today, schools are scheduled to reopen on April 8.

Interestingly, while the Ministry of Secondary and Higher Education has emphasized the lengthy holiday, they’ve also encouraged schools to hold make-up classes in between examinations. 

Though many schools will enjoy the break, institutions serving as exam centers for the upcoming SSC and equivalent exams will experience even longer closures. These centers are preparing for the exams, which kick off on April 10.

"Despite the prolonged holidays, we have advised schools to utilize the time effectively by holding classes between exams where possible," noted Md. Yunus Faruqi, Deputy Director of Secondary Education.

Various schools in the capital city have already posted holiday notices, confirming that classes will resume after Eid, in early April.

Primary Schools‍‍` Schedule

Primary schools will observe a similar holiday period. Their first significant break started with Shab-e-Miraj, with the primary schedule aligning closely with secondary institutions. 

This year, primary schools will have a total of 78 holiday days, excluding weekends. 

The longest stretch, of course, is the 28-day break that began with the start of Ramadan and will continue through Eid. Classes at the primary level are set to resume on April 6.

College and Madrasa Breaks

Colleges are also enjoying a considerable holiday, with a total of 71 holiday days for the year. 

Ramadan, Eid, and other festivals have led to a 25-day break for these institutions, which started today and runs until April 3. Additionally, the colleges will close again for the winter break from December 14-31.

Madrasa holidays, on the other hand, are slightly shorter, totaling 73 days this year. 

These include the Ramadan break, and the holiday list also accounts for the harvesting season in the Haor regions, allowing students to be home to help with Boro rice cutting.

SSC Exams in Focus

The SSC and equivalent exams, set to start on April 10, are a significant factor in this holiday schedule. 

Schools serving as SSC centers will likely remain closed even longer to accommodate the preparation and execution of these exams. 

These extended closures have led to adjustments in how schools manage classwork, with the education authorities advising the continuation of academic activities between exams when possible.

In total, this year‍‍`s national education holiday calendar is packed with long breaks for Ramadan, Eid, and national holidays. 

But while students may celebrate this prolonged time off, schools and colleges are gearing up for the challenges of resuming activities and preparing for exams soon after.