Dhaka University (DU) has announced an emergency closure and the suspension of all academic activities until December 6, 2025, following the recent series of earthquakes and subsequent panic. All students have been directed to vacate their residential halls by 5:00 PM today, Sunday (November 23).
The decision was formalized in a notice signed by Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Director (In-Charge) of Public Relations, late Saturday night.
Emergency Syndicate Meeting
The measure was taken during an urgent virtual meeting of the Dhaka University Syndicate held today, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The meeting included Syndicate members, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Principal of Dhaka Medical College, and key officials from the Planning and Development Office, Examination Control, and Engineering departments.
The primary focus of the meeting was to address the physical and mental distress suffered by students due to the recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, prioritizing their overall safety and security.
Safety Inspection Requires Empty Halls
During the session, the opinions of BUET experts, the Director of the Planning and Development Office, and the Chief Engineer were analyzed. Their consensus was that the residential halls require a thorough, in-depth inspection and risk assessment following the tremors to determine the extent of any necessary structural repair.
To facilitate this crucial risk assessment and potential repair work, the university determined that the residential halls must be emptied.
Consequently, the Syndicate decided to suspend all university classes and examinations until Saturday, December 6, 2025, and proceeded with the order to vacate the student halls. Provosts were requested to take the necessary steps to ensure all residential halls are emptied by 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
It was noted that all university administrative offices will remain open and operational during this period.
