Dhaka University to resume classes online eight days after earthquake closure

The move aims to keep academic activities running “at all levels”, the university says

Dhaka University will begin online classes on Sunday, eight days after announcing a 15-day closure in the wake of the deadliest earthquake to hit Bangladesh in decades.

The move aims to keep academic activities running “at all levels”, the university’s Public Relations Office said in a statement on Saturday.

Under the plan, department heads and institute directors will begin teaching remotely in coordination with their respective deans. The arrangement will continue until further notice, according to the statement.

The university had initially suspended classes and exams for a day after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Nov 21, killing at least 10 people in Dhaka and two other districts and injuring hundreds.

Several Dhaka University students were also hurt after jumping from dormitory buildings in panic.

Repeated tremors the following day deepened anxiety on campus, prompting the administration to extend the closure to 15 days.

The university said a team of engineers is assessing damage to buildings caused by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. Decisions regarding the winter break will be announced after receiving their recommendations.