Educational institutions may remain closed till September: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said all educational institutions will remain closed till September if situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak does not improve.

The prime minister said this while holding a videoconference with district administration officials of Rajshahi division this morning.

She joined the videoconference from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The prime minister said small businessmen, who took loans from bank for their businesses but failed to get any return due to coronavirus outbreak, should not be worried as they would not have to pay the interest right now. 

The government will also consider waiving interest against bank loans, she added.

"Soon after this meeting, I will sit with the finance minister to discuss the matter," the prime minister said.

Sheikh Hasina further said the government is planning to gradually resume regular activities at places where coronavirus has had less impact.

She also gave instruction for maximum use of agricultural lands to combat food crisis due to the outbreak.