Amid nationwide panic following a series of tremors, authorities have suspended academic activities at three medical colleges and two public universities in the capital.
Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College have suspended classes until November 29.
Following the closure of Dhaka University (DU) on Saturday, Jagannath University (JnU) and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University suspended their academic activities until November 27 and December 6, respectively.
While not formally closed, North South University (NSU) has shifted regular classes online after cracks were reportedly spotted in some buildings following Friday's powerful earthquake.
When contacted, administrators of the institutions stated that the decisions were made due to safety concerns.
JnU Acting Registrar Prof Md Sheikh Gias Uddin told The Daily Star, "Online classes will continue through December 4, and official notices regarding schedules and instructions will be issued accordingly. All on-campus examinations will remain halted during this period."
To facilitate students leaving Dhaka, the university administration arranged buses to seven divisional cities. The buses were scheduled to leave Dhaka this morning.
Irene Akhter, principal assistant at the Dhaka Medical College office, told The Daily Star that while the administrative office remains open, all classes and examinations are suspended. She added that instructions have been given for students to vacate the residential halls.
Notably, academic activities at DMC were previously suspended for 20 days in June-July this year following student protests demanding the construction of new buildings and the abandonment of risky academic buildings and hostels.
Meanwhile, following Saturday's closure announcement, Dhaka University students were ordered to vacate their halls by yesterday evening.
Visiting the campus yesterday morning, correspondents saw many female students leaving for their homes. Students were also seen leaving the male dormitories. However, those who had not yet left appeared to be in a dilemma.
Some students expressed frustration, citing difficulties due to the sudden instruction to vacate. Many mentioned tuition responsibilities and part-time jobs, questioning where they would stay during the closure.
The DU administration announced on Saturday that all classes and examinations would remain suspended until December 6, and all residential halls must be vacated for a comprehensive post-earthquake inspection, risk assessment, and renovation.
According to BBC Bangla, several schools in the capital, including Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, National Ideal School and College, Ideal School and College, Abdur Razzaque School and College, and Cordova International School & College, also suspended classes and exams yesterday.
Three earthquakes were felt in the country in the last three days. A powerful quake on Friday killed 10 people in several parts of the country, including Dhaka. At least 10 DU students were injured during the tremor.