Due to the significant risk posed by recent earthquakes and aftershocks, the Dhaka University will remain closed for the next 14 days starting from Sunday, with strict instructions issued for students to vacate their halls of residence.
Students have been directed to leave the university halls by 5pm Sunday, read a press release issued by the university administration.
The administration acknowledged that the residential halls require thorough inspection, overall risk assessment, and necessary repairs following the earthquakes. To facilitate this risk assessment and potential repairs, evacuating the residential halls is necessary.
So, the administration decided to halt all university classes and examinations, and evacuate the residential halls until 6 December 2025. Hall provosts have been requested to take necessary measures to evacuate the residential halls by 5pm Sunday, 23 November 2025.
The decision was made during an emergency syndicate meeting on Saturday. University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh, emphasising that strict compliance with the evacuation directive is mandatory for all students.
Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed stated that teachers and students are concerned by the multiple earthquakes. He emphasised that thoroughly inspecting every room is crucial to avoid any untoward incidents.
Regarding students vacating their rooms, he mentioned that every provost will review their respective hall for any emergency situation.
According to the release, the university virtually held an emergency syndicate meeting on Saturday, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan. The meeting was attended by syndicate members.
Additionally, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the principal of Dhaka Medical College, the acting director of the Planning and Development Office, the acting Controller of Examinations, and the acting chief engineer participated in the meeting.
The Dhaka University administration considered the physical and mental trauma suffered by students due to the recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, giving utmost importance to their overall safety.
Subsequently, the opinions of BUET experts, the director of the Planning and Development Office, and the chief engineer were analysed during the meeting.
It is noted that the university offices will remain open as usual.
