DU to remain closed for 2 weeks, students asked to vacate dorms

Dhaka University (DU) authorities have declared the university campus temporarily closed in view of the risks posed by the recent earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks. The authorities have ordered students to vacate all residential halls by 5 pm on Sunday (November 23) to ensure technical safety.

The decision was taken at an emergency virtual meeting of the syndicate held on Saturday (November 22) with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan in the chair.

According to the decision, all classes and examinations at DU will be suspended until December 6 (Saturday). The provosts have been instructed to take necessary steps to vacate the residential halls. However, although academic activities are closed, the university offices will remain open as usual.

The emergency meeting analyzed the opinions of BUET experts, the Director of the Planning and Development Office and the Chief Engineer. They said that in the post-earthquake situation, it is necessary to conduct a detailed inspection of the residential halls, identify risks and make necessary repairs. Therefore, it is safe to evacuate the halls.

The physical and mental safety of the students was given top priority in the meeting. The stress caused on the students due to the recent tremors was also taken into consideration. The emergency meeting was attended by the members of the syndicate, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Principal of Dhaka Medical College, the Acting Director of the Planning and Development Office, the Acting Controller of Examinations and the Acting Chief Engineer.