Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has announced that all government primary schools will remain open on ten upcoming Saturdays this year to make up for learning lost during the month-long Ramadan holidays. The initiative aims to address gaps in students’ education caused by extended closures and ensure that the academic calendar stays on track.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, 24 March, through a circular signed by Md. Ayonal Abedin, Deputy Director of the Ministry. Senior Information Officer Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin confirmed the issuance, emphasising that the plan is intended to help students recover missed instructional hours and maintain continuity in their learning.
According to the circular, schools are required to conduct normal classes on the next ten Saturdays following the resumption of regular lessons after Ramadan. Teachers will follow the standard timetable, and no additional examinations are expected during these extra sessions.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that students make up for the lost learning during the Ramadan holidays and continue their education without further disruption,” the circular stated.
District Primary Education Officers have been instructed to supervise the implementation and take any necessary steps to ensure smooth operation. Copies of the circular have been sent to all district education offices nationwide to guarantee uniform compliance.
Schedule for Saturday Classes
| Purpose | Schools Affected | Number of Saturdays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compensate for Ramadan holidays | All government primary schools | 10 consecutive Saturdays | Classes to commence after resumption post-Ramadan |
| Ensure curriculum completion | All primary students | 10 Saturdays | Teachers to conduct normal lessons; no extra exams required |
| Implementation monitoring | District Primary Education Officers | Ongoing | Officers to report progress to ministry |
Education experts have welcomed the move, noting that additional instructional days are particularly important for younger students who need continuous reinforcement of basic skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy. “Extra Saturday classes can help ensure that students do not fall behind, especially in foundational years,” said a senior primary education specialist.
Parents have also been informed through school notices and community announcements, with authorities urging families to support their children’s attendance on these additional school days. Many parents expressed approval, highlighting the importance of maximising learning time after the disruption caused by the Ramadan break.
The Ministry emphasised that consistent attendance during these Saturday classes is essential for achieving curriculum goals and maintaining educational standards. Officials described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to sustaining academic quality, mitigating the impact of unforeseen school closures, and ensuring that students complete the curriculum on schedule.