Amid escalating Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip, the death toll continues to rise daily. In protest against this ongoing aggression, educational institutions across Bangladesh have suspended classes and exams today. The movement is especially visible at the university level, where it is being observed with strong participation.
On Monday (April 7), visits to several institutions in Dhaka revealed widespread suspension of academic activities.
The decision follows official announcements made on Sunday (April 6) by institutions such as the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University, stating that all academic operations would remain closed today, including classes and examinations.
In a press release issued Sunday, the University of Dhaka stated that, as a mark of protest against the brutal attacks on Gaza, all classes and exams would be suspended on Monday (April 7). Additionally, all university offices would remain closed from 9 am to 11 am.
Similarly, Jahangirnagar University announced that it would observe a work stoppage from 10 am to 12 pm, during which all educational and administrative activities would be paused.
Rajshahi University also joined the movement, announcing a solidarity rally in support of Palestinians. The rally is scheduled to take place from 11 am to 12 pm in front of the Senate Building on Paris Road, with participation from faculty members, students, and staff.
Elsewhere in the country, many schools and colleges have also refrained from holding classes today, though in most cases, no formal announcement was made.
At Ideal School and College in Dhaka's Motijheel area, no regular classes were held. A teacher, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that while some students did show up, the focus shifted to discussions about the crisis in Palestine. Meanwhile, college students did not attend at all.
At Jagannath University, students have not only boycotted classes and exams but also planned a protest rally on campus. The announcement came on Sunday (April 6) under the banner of the university's general student body.
The Jagannath University Teachers' Association also declared a "No Work" program to support the protest. The association's General Secretary, Rois Uddin, confirmed the initiative on Sunday night. A solidarity rally organized by the association is set to take place today at noon in front of the university's central Shaheed Minar.
