Dhaka University instructs students to leave dormitories amid coronavirus scare

Authorities of the Dhaka University have instructed students to leave halls by 6pm Friday, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

President of Dhaka University Teachers Association Dr ASM Maqsood Kamal made the announcement at a media briefing on Thursday.

The decision has been taken in an emergency meeting of the syndicate, he said.

Members of the university’s provost standing committee will hold an emergency meeting in the evening to discuss the matter, he said.   

“The suspension of classes and examinations has extended to Mar 31 from Mar 28,"  DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said after the meeting ended.

The university has also formed a five-member committee, led by Dr Shahriar Nabi, Dean of Medicine faculty, to discuss measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, syndicate member Prof Humayun Kabir said.

The residential halls will remain open during the shutdown and other university activities will continue, according to the notice published on Monday.

The outsiders have also been requested not to enter the DU campus barring emergencies.