Mentioning that online study sessions will continue until the educational institutions reopen, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged countrymen to maintain proper health guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

She made the call while inaugurating free textbook distribution activities for next year's primary and secondary students at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).

The premier joined the inauguration function virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence.

Sheikh Hasina said: “The second wave of Covid-19 hit the country when the government started thinking of reopening the educational institutions. If the COVID-19 situation is not improved till January 15, online academic activities will continue.”

She urged the parents to give special attention to the children to keep their mental and physical health sound by encouraging them to read other books alongside textbooks and continue playing and physical activities in this Coronavirus situation.

Sheikh Hasina said the students can continue their study staying at home as educational institutions are running academic activities using online platforms such as Zoom, Messenger, Facebook, YouTube etc.

Emphasizing the evolution of the mental health of the children, the prime minister also called upon the parents to give more time to their kids in this pandemic situation as it is very difficult for the children to confine themselves at home for a long period.

The premier said an initiative has been taken to impart training to the educational institution’s head and focal point teacher on how to deal with the mental health problems of secondary level students caused by the longtime closure of schools.

A counseling manual with the help of top psychologists has also been prepared to this end, she added.

Putting emphasis on maintaining the health protocols again, Sheikh Hasina urged all to wear facemask during movement outside. “Wearing face mask and washing hands with soap are the main protection from Coronavirus,” she said.

BDST: 1815 HRS, DEC 31, 2020
AP/SMS