The authorities of the University of Dhaka (DU) have decided to reopen dorms on May 17 after ensuring the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for teachers, students, officers, and employees.
The class activities and examinations will resume two weeks after the opening of the residential halls, stated a press release issued by DU Public Relations Office on Tuesday.
Following the announcement made by Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni on Monday about reopening halls on May 17 and universities on May 24, DU authorities canceled the previous decision made by the academic council to reopen dorms on March 13.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Academic Council chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Akhtaruzzan on Tuesday morning in the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury virtual classroom adjacent to the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
Prof. Md. Akhtaruzzaman said, “According to expert teachers of DU, the immunity system develops four weeks later taking the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Therefore, by April 17 the concerned Ministry of Government has been requested to take necessary action to complete vaccinating the teachers, students, officers, and employees of the university. Major (final) examination will not be held before May 17”.
“Everyone has to get vaccinated. In this case, those with health problems will be considered after submitting the doctor’s prescription.” added the DU VC.
When questioned about the autonomous status of DU to make a decision, the VC said, “It is a national crisis and here the National interest is the greatest concern. We cannot make a single decision in our interest. I hope our students behave considering the greater interest behind the decision we have made”.
DU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Md. ASM Maksud Kamal said about taking the examinations of DU affiliated seven colleges, “We will have a meeting with the principals of the seven affiliated colleges. After this meeting, we will make a decision”.
Prof. Md. Akhtaruzzaman confirmed that no major examinations of the seven affiliated colleges will be held by May 17.
The Academic Council meeting of DU began around 10.30 am. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Samad, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal, Deans of various faculty, Chairman of various Departments, and Directors of various Institutions were present at the meeting.
In the meeting DU authorities thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government for taking the noble, courageous and humane decision to vaccinate teachers, students and staff of the university.