Dhaka closes schools, colleges during Ramadan

DHAKA - All schools and colleges across Dhaka will be closed during Ramadan after the Bangladeshi capital witnessed huge traffic snarls during the initial days of the holy month.

The government Thursday declared closure of educational institutions Aug 14-Sep 16 after the home ministry suggested that all schools and colleges in the capital be closed to help reduce traffic congestion, The Daily Star reported.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner A.K.M. Awlad Hossain said offices and schools start and end pretty much at the same time, which deteriorates the traffic situation.

If schools and colleges were closed, the traffic situation would improve, he said, adding that the DMP had asked the home ministry to close the schools during the holy month.

The decision by the government was, however, termed sudden and unprecedented by the media Friday.

The government had “hurried” to declare the closure and heads of educational institutions were left confused, The Daily Star said.

Students in the country are generally given a shorter holiday closer to Eid.