Amid the nationwide two-day shutdown called by the ruling Awami League in response to a court verdict involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, academic activities in Dhaka have once again been thrown into uncertainty.
Prioritizing student safety, two prominent schools—Tiny Tots and Summerfield International School—have announced that all classes on November 16 and 17 (Sunday and Monday) will be conducted online.
On Friday (November 15, 2025), the schools issued separate notices informing parents of the shift to online learning. Though the announcements did not explicitly reference the political program, school officials confirmed that the move was a precautionary measure to avoid disruptions in transportation and potential safety risks during the shutdown.
The shutdown, declared in protest of the verdict, is expected to affect mobility throughout the capital. Many families rely on school transportation, and the safety of students commuting amid political unrest has been a recurring concern in Bangladesh.
Several parents praised the schools’ decision as responsible and timely. However, others voiced frustration over the sudden shift, especially as it requires parents to make quick arrangements for home-based study and internet connectivity—challenges that continue to highlight the digital divide among urban families.
Educational institutions in Bangladesh have increasingly turned to online platforms during periods of political instability, a trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. With political demonstrations and shutdowns resurfacing in recent months, school authorities are once again relying on digital tools to maintain academic continuity.
Reports suggest that more schools in Dhaka may follow the lead of Tiny Tots and Summerfield International School, particularly if the shutdown extends or if further political tensions arise.
For many parents, the recurring disruptions to education underscore the broader impact of politics on daily life, sparking renewed calls for long-term solutions to safeguard the academic calendar.
Despite the challenges, school leaders remain hopeful that the temporary move to virtual classes will ensure student safety while minimizing academic loss. For now, thousands of children are preparing to log in from home, as their classrooms shift once again to the digital world.
