Dhaka University Announces 15-Day Closure in Aftermath of Earthquake Emergency

Dhaka University has declared a 15-day closure in response to the emergency situation that has emerged following the recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. According to an official statement issued on Saturday, all academic activities, including classes and examinations, will remain suspended until 6 December. Students residing in the university’s residential halls have been instructed to vacate their accommodation by 5 pm on Sunday.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Dhaka University Syndicate, held virtually under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan. The university’s press release notes that the meeting gave particular consideration to the physical and psychological stress experienced by students as a result of the tremors. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the student community was regarded as the highest priority.

During the meeting, experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), along with the Director of the Planning and Development Office and the Chief Engineer, presented their assessments. They emphasised the need for a thorough structural inspection of all residential halls in order to evaluate potential risks and determine the extent of repairs required. The specialists advised that, for a proper assessment and for any urgent renovations to begin, the halls should remain vacated.

In line with these recommendations, the Syndicate resolved to keep all residential halls empty and to suspend on-campus academic activities until 6 December. Hall provosts have been requested to take the necessary steps to ensure students leave the halls within the stipulated time.

Despite the temporary shutdown, the university has clarified that all administrative offices will continue to operate as usual, allowing essential services and internal operations to proceed without disruption.

This announcement follows an earlier notice issued at 9 pm on Saturday, in which the administration had initially suspended only Sunday’s classes and examinations. The extended closure reflects a heightened assessment of risk and the need for comprehensive safety measures.