Primary Schools to Open on Ten Saturdays

Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a move aimed at addressing learning gaps caused by extended holiday periods, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has announced that government primary schools will remain open on ten upcoming Saturdays this year. The decision comes following the closure of schools during the month of Ramadan, which had reduced instructional time for students.

The directive, issued on Tuesday, 24 March, was formalised in a circular signed by Md. Ayonal Abedin, Deputy Director of the ministry. Senior Information Officer Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin confirmed the issuance and highlighted that the measure is intended to compensate for lost classroom hours.

According to the circular, the government has instructed all primary schools to conduct regular classes on the next ten Saturdays after the resumption of lessons following Ramadan. The objective is to ensure that students recover from the academic shortfall and maintain the scheduled curriculum.

“This initiative is designed to help students make up for missed learning during the Ramadan holidays and to ensure continuity of education in government primary schools,” the circular stated.

The ministry has also requested district primary education officers to implement the instructions and take any further necessary steps to facilitate the plan. A copy of the circular has been sent to all district-level primary education offices to ensure consistent adherence across the country.

Schedule for Saturday Classes

Education experts welcomed the move, stating that additional instructional days are crucial for students, particularly those in lower grades, to consolidate fundamental skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Teachers have been advised to continue the usual timetable on these Saturdays, ensuring minimal disruption while maximising learning outcomes.

Parents have also been informed through school notices and community channels, and they are encouraged to support the attendance of their children on these additional instructional days.

This proactive measure reflects the government’s commitment to sustaining educational quality and mitigating the impact of unforeseen school closures on student learning. Officials emphasise that maintaining consistent attendance during these extra days is vital for achieving intended academic objectives.