Photo : Collected
It has been decided that if the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius, educational institutes from primary to college levels will be suspended. Directives to this effect have been issued by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.
In districts where the maximum temperature is projected to drop below the above-mentioned temperature, the respective departmental deputy directors, in consultation with the district primary education officer, have been authorised to instruct the temporary suspension of academic activities in government primary schools. The order, issued in the public interest, will be in effect until January 31. Concerned quarters think timing of this decision to close educational institutions due to severe winter conditions is deemed appropriate. Many educational institutions experience thick fog accompanied by wind and cold currents in the morning, which poses challenging consequences. In various parts of the country, including the northern regions, daytime temperatures are dropping below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to Thursday’s message from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the temperature in 16 districts of the country has fallen below 11 degrees Celsius amid severe cold and dense fog. There is a possibility of further temperature drops in the coming days. Venturing outside with the school-aged children in these conditions is a formidable task, especially considering the sensitivity of children and the elderly to adverse weather conditions, which can lead to various diseases. The difficulties arise from the preparation and travel to school in the cold, hindering concentration on studies. Many children are suffering from cold-related illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and shortness of breath.
The severity of winter has increased in the Bangla month of Magh, following Poush. The vulnerability of children and the elderly to cold-related diseases has escalated with an average of 700 to 800 outpatients treated at Shishu Hospital daily in January. This is a significant increase compared to the usual 300 to 400 patients, as reported by doctors. The number of children admitted to the hospital due to pneumonia has also risen.
The children’s department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital has observed an increase in patients with cold-related diseases, emphasising the need for appropriate clothing to prevent complications. Cold-related illnesses, including colds, coughs, and respiratory problems, are on the rise in children during winter. Skin diseases and diarrhoea are becoming more prevalent. It is important now to keep children protected from the cold, avoid self-administration of antihistamines and antibiotics without a doctor’s advice, and seek proper medical attention if breathing difficulties arise.
Messenger/Fameema
