See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/344454037

Impact of COVID-19 on the Institutional Education System and its Associated

Students in Bangladesh

Article  in  Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies · October 2020

DOI: 10.9734/ajess/2020/v11i230288

CITATIONS READS
2 10,799

3 authors:

Efta Khairul Haque Emon Ashrafur Rahman Alif

Henan University of Technology Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College, Bangladesh
1 PUBLICATION   2 CITATIONS    1 PUBLICATION   2 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

M Shahanul Islam
Tianjin University of Science and Technology
43 PUBLICATIONS   26 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Spectral compression of pulses due to self-phase modulation and group velocity dispersion on direct detection optical transmission system View project

Relation between heavy metal concentration saltmarsh sediment View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Efta Khairul Haque Emon on 11 October 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies

11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

ISSN: 2581-6268

Impact of COVID-19 on the Institutional Education

System and its Associated Students in Bangladesh
Efta Khairul Haque Emon1*, Ashrafur Rahman Alif2 and M. Shahanul Islam3
1
Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Henan, China.
2
Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College, Bangladesh.
3
College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology
University, No 29, 13th Avenue, TEDA, Tianjin, China.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author EKHE designed the study, wrote
the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author ARA managed the analyses of the
study. Author MSI performed the statistical analysis and managed the literature searches. All authors
read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/AJESS/2020/v11i230288
Editor(s):
(1) Dr. Sara Marelli, Scientific Institute and University Hospital IRCCS San Raffaele Ville Turro, Italy.
(2) Dr. M. Camino Escolar-Llamazares University of Burgos, Spain.
(3) Dr. Velan Kunjuraman Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia.
Reviewers:
(1) Juvrianto Chrissunday Jakob, Politeknik Negeri Ambon, Indonesia.
(2) Andnet Nigussie Habte, Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia.
(3) Akhsanul In’am, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia.
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/61036

Received 27 August 2020

Original Research Article Accepted 18 September 2020
Published 02 October 2020

ABSTRACT

Aim: The effect of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the education system of Bangladesh and its
possible solution is the focus of the present study.
Design: The study employed a descriptive survey research design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted through all the districts of Bangladesh
from 8 March (2020) to 30 July (2020) accordingly.
Methodology: Descriptive survey with the interactive interview via online in the pandemic area
and offline field works for collecting data in possible places were the main structural design of this
research.
Results: The COVID-19 has affected worldwide education sectors by shutting down many
institutes and temporarily pushing the majority of students out of school. Most countries have
temporarily closed their educational institutions to control the COVID-19 pandemic. In Bangladesh,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected];

 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

near 40 million students are now out of school, until the epidemic returns to normal. Besides this
universal disruption, out-school learning deprivation varies depending on the socio-economic
status of the mass population, their access to technology, parental capabilities, and so on. Most
countries are using online or satellite television platforms to deliver education during the pandemic,
which is not enough to meet the contrasting levels. Although, developed countries (first and second
world) are making good strides with online teaching while struggles are seen in rest (third-world
countries). This article highlights how COVID-19 is affecting the education sector and students in
Bangladesh. Undoubtedly, the most immediate impact of the Covid-19 on students of Bangladesh
is abruptions in learning opportunities with multiple other aspects. Despite earnest government
attempts, COVID-19 is adversely affecting students in Bangladesh for several significant reasons.
Conclusion: Collective responses and analysis revealed that not technologies but also
technicalities are needed to run the education system smoothly besides this pandemic situation
accordingly.

Keywords: COVID-19; Bangladesh; Coronavirus; impact; education; poverty.

1. INTRODUCTION taking various strategies and steps to

mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 in
A zoonotic disease caused by a Coronavirus that education.
has not been diagnosed before in humans was
first identified in the human body in late There have been a couple of remarkable
December 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China's innovations in the responses of educationists to
Hubei province [1]. At the end of January, it was the current crisis. However, relying only on online
declared a public health emergency of global education approaches will imply reaching only
concern and was characterized as a pandemic students from well-off families, as many
on March 11, by the World Health Organization educationists are concerned. Approximately 1.5
[2]. Across the world, COVID-19 affects 213 billion students worldwide are affected so far due
nations and regions, and a couple of international to educational Institution closures [10]. Learning
conveyances [3]. The first 3 cases have identified Lab Bangladesh COVID-19 Multi-sector Impact
In Bangladesh on March 8 (2020) by the Institute Report says, almost 60 percent of the students
of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research have not even heard from Institutions about how
[4]. Two of the three affected recently returned the educational activities will continue. According
home from Italy. Since the number of affected to 38 percent of parents, there is no continuity in
people increased periodically, the government teaching [11]. Household Income Expenditure
announced lockdown throughout the country Survey says that 8.4 million student’s families
from March 26 to April 4 [5]. At the end of April, live below the poverty level [12]. Their income
the rate of new infections began to rise very has dropped by 25% in the last three months.
rapidly. Besides, 24.50% of students from low-income
families need proper support [12]. During the
The highest single-day rises were found on April three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
26, when 549 new cases got in the last 24 hours ratio increased by 45% [12]. This phenomenon
[6]. So far, Bangladesh has extended the leads to a higher dropout rate. According to
lockdown seven times. On March 16, they Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information
decided to keep all the educational institutions and Statistics (BANBEIS), the post-secondary
closed from March 17 to 31 [7]. Later, the Dropout Rate is 19.60% [12]. COVID-19 has a
government extended the time of the closure driven, devastating impact on low-income
until April 9 to prevent the spread of deadly countries like Bangladesh. Most citizens live
Coronavirus. On April 27, the Prime minister of below the poverty line, so it is often impossible
Bangladesh said all educational institutions might for them to get online education through
remain closed until September if the epidemic expensive devices. Even the monthly salary of a
situation does not improve [8]. At the date of May teacher in Bangladesh is not enough. Indeed,
7 (2020), There is no district of Bangladesh left most teachers do not have high-cost Internet
as a corona free zone (Fig. 1A). This pandemic devices because their monthly income rate is
has led to unprecedented levels of disruption to low. If the situation continues in the long run, it
education, impacting over 90% of the world's will be a significant loss for numerous students in
student population [9]. Different countries are Bangladesh.

35
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

1.1 Focus and Objectives of Present response from 2460 people was tabulated and
Study analyzed from a different perspective during
this study. The data were categorized into
The objectives of the present study are focusing different perspectives, i.e., response time, email
on new challenges by COVID-19 pandemic and address, name, age, educational information,
their possible remedies by using current source of family income, number of earning
technology, after maintaining the possible social members of the family, earning range per month,
distances and Corona related health cautions. and information about educational institutions.
Recommendation for making better policy to
reconstruct the education system will be briefly 2.3 Data Analysis
described accordingly. Related statistical
analyses will also help to understand the Data of COVID-19 infected people in Bangladesh
significant impact of probable variables among as well as in a world where collected from
each other. International database [3]. Necessary details of
COVID-19 situations were demonstrated
2. METHODOLOGY according to its significance (Fig. 1A). The
present study used the data of infected people in
2.1 Study Area 7 may 2020 because each district of Bangladesh
was becoming affected at this time.
The Study areas were randomly distributed
across the whole country. It was automatically All surveyed data were divided into different
generated according to the responses from the categories and tabulated for further analysis.
people of all districts (Fig. 1) by online survey This study tried to understand the data structures
and offline fieldwork. For having a better view of basis on the economic group of sampled people.
the challenges about COVID-19, sampling the Pearson correlation analysis was done to identify
responses of the related population from each the impact of different variables on the livelihood
district were done. of sampled people. Furthermore, this study
discussed various impacts of the current situation
2.2 Sampling Methods of pandemic (COVID-19) on the study curriculum
and mental responses of institutional students
Online questionnaire surveys were deployed to across the country. Arc GIS was used to
gather the responses during the pandemic demonstrated COVID-19 spreading in
(Questionnaire link: https://bit.ly/3hmh2VJ). Total Bangladesh.

Fig. 1. Reported statistics of infected people from the starting date (March 7, 2020) to the time
(May 7, 2020) when each district of Bangladesh was under the threat of COVID-19 (A).
Responses of population and their sizes were also marked across the country according to
their location (B)

36
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

3. RESULTS get a full free scholarship in this situation (Fig.

3C). More than 50% want online classes, and
3.1 Categories of the Sampled Population they think it is useful (Fig. 3D). Majority of them
(90%) think the price of internet data is high
The sampled population was categorized into (Fig. 3E). However, 50% of them are addicted
five sections. Most of them were in the (10-15 & to Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, games, etc.
21- 25) age group (32.5%). Age groups 26-35 (Fig. 3F).
were found less (6%) than other sections (Fig.
2A). The majority was (almost 82%) found of More than 65% are worried about the job of their
those families who have a single earning family’s earning member (Fig. 3G), and 70%
member (Fig. 2B). 59% of families were think their study in lockdown is not fruitful (Fig.
surveyed who has income range of less than 3H). As a result, about 90% feel anxious about
USD 125. The minimum income range was found their future and concerned about timely
(almost 11%) (Fig. 2C). Most of the sampled graduation (Fig. 3I) and seek financial help (75%)
population were students from School level as well (Fig. 3J). Besides, 90% of them don’t
(44.6%). Madrasha level students were found have any large-screen devices which can help
less than other sections (Fig. 2D). Government them more on online education (Fig. 3K).
job holders were the dominant group in the
section of the employment survey. Since they 3.3 Responses of Various Economic
have less economic concern than low-income Categories
people in this situation, they responded more.
Authors also collected the responses from lower
Sampled population were categorized in 4
categories of employees (Fig. 2E). They have a
income divisions i.e. low-income (<125 $), lower-
hectic working schedule beside this pandemic as
medium income (125 $ - 235 $), medium-income
well.
(250 $ - 375 $) and high-income (>375 $).
3.2 Average Responses of the Sampled People of low income are mostly affected by
Population earning downfall during lockdown for COVID-19
(Fig. 4; Yes-A). The survey said students of the
More than 75% of people were affected by the medium and high-income class family are from
decrement of family earnings during lockdown the private Institution (Fig. 4; Yes-B). Besides,
(Fig. 3A). The Majority (65%) of them belongs to people of low income feel pressure in this
public educational Institutions (Fig. 3B). Almost pandemic, and they do not want to clear their
70% feel pressure in this pandemic, and they are semester fees or want full free scholarships in
reluctant to clear their semester fees or want to this situation (Fig. 4; Yes-C). Additionally, people

Fig. 2. Social status and occupational categories of sampling people, i.e. age range (A),
number of earning members (B), income range (C), education levels (D) and family
employment involvement in different categories (E)

37
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
A B C D E F G H I J K
Yes No

Fig. 3. Average responses of the total sample to the questions, i.e., A= Family earning
decrease due to the lockdown (loss of business or reduce salary); B= Are you a private
Institution student?; C= Do you feel pressure in this pandemic, and are you reluctant to clear
your semester fees or want to get a full free scholarship in this situation?; D= Do you want
online classes and think it is useful?; E= Do you think the price of internet data is high?; F=
Are you addicted to Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, games, etc.?; G= Are you worried about your
job?; H= Do you think your study in lockdown is not fruitful?; I= Do you feel anxious about
your future and concerned about your timely graduation?; J= Do you need any financial help?;
K= Do you have any large-screen devices (laptops, desktop)?

100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes-I
No-B

Yes-E

Yes-F
No-F

No-I
Yes-A
No-A

Yes-D
No-D

Yes-G
No-G
Yes-H
No-H

Yes-K
No-K
Yes-B

Yes-C
No-C

No-J
No-E

Yes-J

<125 $ 125 $ - 250 $ 250 $ - 375 $ More than 375$

Fig. 4. Responses of people from different economic categories to the questions, i.e., A=
Family earning decrease due to the lockdown(loss of business or reduce salary); B= Are you a
private Institution student?; C= Do you feel any pressure in this pandemic, and are you
reluctant to clear your semester fees or want to get a full free scholarship in this situation?; D=
Do you want online classes and think it is useful?; E= Do you think the price of internet data is
high?; F= Are you addicted to Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, games, etc.?; G= Are you worried
about your job?; H= Do you think your study in lockdown is not fruitful?; I= Do you feel
anxious about your future and concerned about your timely graduation?; J= Do you need any
financial help?; K= Do you have any large-screen devices (laptops, desktop)?

of low income want online classes, and they think people of lower-medium income are addicted to
it is useful (Fig. 4; Yes-D) and the price of Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, games and more
internet data is high (Fig. 4; Yes-E). Surprisingly, (Fig. 4; Yes-F) than others. Moreover, people of

38
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

low income are worried about their job (Fig. 4; is over 18 million [13]. Most of the students feel
Yes-G), and they think their study in lockdown is emotional distress during this time due to social
not fruitful (Fig. 4; Yes-H). They were also distancing. Poverty among lower-class people is
anxious about the future and concerned about increasing. Students’ Parents are becoming
their timely graduation (Fig. 4; Yes-I). Therefore, jobless; most of their monthly payments are
they need more financial help than others (Fig. 4; decreasing (Fig. 4). Since during the COVID-19
Yes-J) which may utilize in buying large-screen epidemic, many private companies are giving
devices for online classes (Fig. 4; No-K). less than 50% payment [14]. As a result, the
ability to buy nutritious food for their children is
3.4 Correlations among Different declining, and children are affecting various
Variables malnutrition diseases.

The drastic effects of different variables were To maintain social distancing, they cannot mess
observed in different livelihood categories. with their friends and even cannot play, which is
Correlation analysis found that the decrement of making them emotionally distressed. Middle-
earning affected other variables significantly, i.e. childhood children typically become less
raised (0.99) study pressure, minimize the time attached to their parents (Fig. 3). According to
of presence in social media (0.99), emerged Job children's voices in the time of COVID-19, 91%
(0.93) and study fulfillment tension (0.98) as well of the children and young people reported feeling
(Table 1). It also increased the tendency of emotional distress and facing troubling
financial help-seeking (0.99) and inability to buy experiences [15]. In the case of children, mental
large devices (0.98). On the other hand, the illness remains secret because they cannot
earnings increment and stability provoked share their mental condition with others. Two
student’s flexibility in the study (0.87) and cases were recently reported in Barisal,
financial vitality (0.87). Bangladesh, where the monthly income of low-
income families has decreased significantly
The analysis showed students of private during this situation [16]. With the less amount of
Institutions spend more time on social media money where it is not easy to provide a month's
(0.80), and they do not need any financial help worth of food, it is almost impossible to educate
during this epidemic (0.88). They also have large their child and meet their child's needs. Parents
screen devices (0.86) for online classes and do not have access to healthy food during this
other opportunities. On the other hand, study time, and they are under economic and social
pressure is high among the students of public stress. Consequently, parents are more likely to
Institutions (0.99), and they spent less time on beat their children in the current situation.
social media (0.99). Their tension about jobs is According to the Bangladesh Government's
significantly elevated (0.93) due to the deficiency statement, the number of street children in this
in the study (0.84) and wordiness about timely country is more than 34 lakhs [17]. Most of them
graduation (0.95). They are also seeking to need deprived of various facilities (Fig. 2). However,
financial help (0.99) for their study. Besides, most there are several NGOs that provide free food
of them do not have any large-screen device and other facilities to educate them. Due to the
(0.98). COVID-19 outbreak, their educational activities
have postponed. Therefore, at a very young age,
The high cost of internet raised study pressure they may get involved in various criminal
(0.98), absence on social media (0.96), job activities. Regrettably, COVID-19 forces many
tension (0.98), study fulfillment tensions (0.99). It Bangladeshi children into begging [18].
also liable behind study lack (0.89) which may Coronavirus's worst impact on child students is
tent people to seek financial help (0.98) as well. that they are pushing to work as a child worker.
However, low-cost internet may cause study However, the government started educating
flexibility (0.98) and economic vitality (0.92) as through SANGSAD TV on April 7 [19].
well (Table 1). Nevertheless, multiple sources say many families
do not yet have TV sets.
4. DISCUSSION Since school is closed and first-term exams of
the students deferred for this epidemic, many
4.1 Impact on Primary Education primary students are thinking that they are not
growing up or they have lost many things
Primary school students are 6 to 11 years old; all because they do not have schools, classes, and
are in middle-childhood. The number of students exams.

39
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

Table 1. Pearson correlations among different variables

Earnings Private Public ID high ID low

decrease institution institution PRICE price
Study Pressure 0.99 -0.48 -0.09 0.99 0.98 -0.51
Flexible Study -0.41 0.87 0.78 -0.4 -0.31 0.98
OC useful 0.93 -0.19 0.21 0.93 0.95 -0.18
OC less-useful 0.94 -0.31 0.09 0.94 0.98 -0.54
Time on SM 0.46 0.5 0.8 0.47 0.62 0.13
No Time in SM 0.99 -0.52 -0.13 0.99 0.96 -0.47
Job tension 0.93 -0.25 0.15 0.93 0.98 -0.48
Job flexibility 0.77 -0.16 0.15 0.77 0.75 0.09
Study fulfillment 0.98 -0.36 0.05 0.98 0.99 -0.47
Study Lack 0.83 0.04 0.42 0.84 0.89 0.01
Graduation tension 0.95 -0.24 0.17 0.95 0.99 -0.42
Graduation flexibility 0.63 -0.16 0.08 0.64 0.59 0.2
Need Help 0.99 -0.5 -0.11 0.99 0.98 -0.61
No Help -0.23 0.87 0.88 -0.22 -0.11 0.92
LS Devices 0.27 0.63 0.86 0.28 0.45 0.2
No LS Devices 0.98 -0.33 0.08 0.98 0.99 -0.38
- OC=online courses, SM=Social Media, LS= Large screen, ID=Internet Data

4.2 Impact on Secondary School 4.3 Impact on Higher Secondary Students

Students
There are 9081 intermediate colleges in
According to the department of secondary school Bangladesh, and total students are over 13 lakhs
education, Bangladesh has more than 23 [23]. Although The Higher Secondary Certificate
thousand high Schools [20]. During the survey, (HSC) examination was supposed to be held, it is
we discussed with numerus high school students postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. After
in our neighborhood ages of twelve to sixteen. completing the higher secondary level, students
5% have no TV set in their house. 50% of are admitted to different universities, and some
students are going through horrible family go abroad for higher study. However, this being
regression. 25% are worried about getting hampered by COVID-19. Now students are
admission to higher secondary college. Even worried about their future. Students who can
though the government has started broadcasting afford smart Gadgets and internet connection
lessons on television, it impossible to do so for are getting addicted to Facebook, YouTube,
many students as there is no TV in many and online games. We talked with many
houses. Recently Secondary School Certificate college students' parents during the
(SSC) passed students are going through anxiety survey. Surprisingly found, 60% are incorporated
because of postponed college admission. Since in the mobile phone substantially. They cannot
students are unable to start their College focus on their study well. Many of them do not
sessions, they are quite worried about their even read a single word. Most students spend
academic year being shortened. Many time with TV and social media or sitting idle at-
students are forcing to join multiple risky jobs like home quarantine; therefore, it is very alarming.
building construction, garment-sector, Many students are not prepared to sit on the
driving bus, auto-rickshaw, and many more. HSC examination because they have already
Parents are forcing girls to marry at an early age dropped out of the study. Although the private
[21]. higher secondary Institutions are engaging in
online teaching, there are no online classes that
Moreover, the early marriage rate in Bangladesh have started in government schools yet. The
is on a high [22]. During COVID-19, it is hard for analysis said that the significant number of
the female students to maintain their hygiene. sampled populations found online classes both
Hence, many of them are unable to use sanitary useful and unnecessary as well (Table 1). It
napkin due to the lack of money. Numerous creates confusion in decision making among
female students are forcing to work as sex students. Current study suspected that this
workers by the unfortunate economic misbalance of necessity might happen in the
circumstances and maintaining family needs. governing committee in various educational

40
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

Institutions too. For example, Motijheel Ideal 4.4.2 Remote area networking problems
School and College, Cambrian School and
College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, The internet speed in the Villages is slowest. The
Willes Little Flower School, and College, and entire attendant of the online class is 58.8
some more Institutions are taking online classes percent from private university 41.2 percent from
[24]. Notably, only students from upper-class public university [27]. That means many of the
families get the opportunity to study in private public university students cannot afford to buy
schools (Fig. 4). Moreover, Bangladesh has the broadband internet. From the total candidate of
highest number of lower and middle-class online class from science 55%, humanities
families, and most of their children attend 12.1%, social science 11.2%, from business
government schools. studies and other disciplines are 4.7% attending
the online course [27]. According to daily star,
College students are young and energetic. Right Bangladesh has the slowest data connection
guidance and proper education can cultivate speed among 42 countries [28]. Where Canada
these young people's creativity and talent, which enjoys 63 Mbps, we have only 7.8 Mbps. Even it
will surely benefit our country. Unexpectedly, the was 9.2 Mbps beginning of February but at the
effect of COVID-19 is disrupting everything at finishing of March 7.2 Mbps. Most university
this moment. students earn money by doing part-time tuition or
jobs. Many students lost their jobs with the
4.4 Impact on University Students closure of shops and restaurants. Numerous
students' parents became jobless or their
4.4.1 Irregular attendances in online classes business off due to the Coronavirus. Some
private universities even pressure students to
According to the University Grants Commission clear their semester fees. Students worried about
of Bangladesh (UGC) & Bangladesh Medical how they will cope with the financial loss of
and Dental Council (BMDC), there are 155 COVID-19.
public and private Universities in Bangladesh 4.4.3 Accommodation and rent mismanage-
and 117 medical and dental colleges under ment
these universities [25, 26]. More than ten
lakhs students are studying at these Since the universities are city-centric, the
Institutions. During the situation of the pandemic, students from the small-town residents in several
all the Universities and Medical and Dental hostels near the university. Due to the COVID-19
colleges are remaining closed since April 2020. outbreak, they have moved back to their home,
Majority of the students have gone to their native but all their belongings remained in the hostel.
villages and towns. Some institutions are taking They also have not paid their monthly rent due to
online classes, but most of them left their being at home for several months, which has
electronic devices like laptops desktops in the resulted in hostel owners throwing away all the
university or college hostels. Biotechnology belongings of the students. According to a recent
Enhancement and Development (BioTED) has report in a newspaper, the hostel owner had
recently published an article in an English thrown student's laptops, clothes, certificates,
newspaper. They surveyed on 2038 students and other items in the dustbin as they could not
from different 42 public and private universities pay the rent for several months [29]. Many
from May 9 to May 11. BioTED has found universities have not started online classes yet,
Only 23% of the total students are doing the and students at those universities are very
online class [27]. There are many reasons concerned about the possibility of session jam.
that they are not attending online courses. Various universities are taking an online
Villages don't provide broadband internet examination, which is not fruitful; students taking
connection. An average duration class can take advantage of multiple misfortunes.
up to 300 megabytes of data, and if a student
attends at least three classes per day, he will 4.4.4 Mental health instabilities
need to spend 1GB of data [27]. But for the
higher price of internet data, it is hard to buy for Mental health and its significance during any
many students. Engineering and medical pandemic of lockdown are quite important to
students are having huge problems. They are maintain a sound environmental serenity [30].
unable to do their lab and practical classes, Some Bangladeshi students were found to waste
which will subsequently adversely affect their their times on Facebook, TV, web-series don't
career. concentrate on their studies. Most of the time,

41
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

students are engrossed in unnecessary gossips school-going step is the perfect opportunity to
in many groups on Facebook and WhatsApp, encourage social skills and social-awareness
which is threatening their future. Although the and constitute a foundation for advancement. No
fresh graduates were supposed to enter the social skill will be developed if social distancing is
workplace, it is no longer possible due to the maintained. Students need to be guided under
COVID-19 outbreak. And their poverty also the guidance of parents with technical equipment
increases significantly, which is even affecting at home. This epidemic has caused worldwide
the economy of the country. One student from school closures as well as delays in exams.
Daffodil International University suicided a few Many facets of the disadvantaged children must
days ago due to this type of anxiety, depression, be considered. Now many parents in Bangladesh
frustration, and family pressure, which is quite are unable to provide proper nutrition to their
heartbreaking [31]. children, which is necessary for the physical and
mental growth of them. Besides, the online
4.5 Impact on Bangladeshi Students dependency of this generation may develop a
Studying Abroad and the Students threatening future for these young children. As
Willing to Study Overseas early as possible this should be solved for the
next generation.
Most of the international students want to do their
classes on their campus. Since the quality of
4.6.2 Evolving a viable family income
online education is not sufficient, they are
reluctant to take online courses. Many students Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many people
pay their tuition fees or garnering pocket money have become jobless, and their income has
by working in a different restaurant, super shop, grown decreased. Consequently, they are
university-centric job, or driving the taxi cab [32]. suffering from malnutrition, and their immunity
However, in this situation, they have become cannot be developed. On the other hand, they
jobless. Moreover, they have fallen in great are also traumatized for the fair of infected by
trouble because most are unable to pay their COVID-19. College students are deprived of
semester fees. This circumstance forces them to study who were going to sit for the upcoming
back their home country without completing their HSC examination. Many of them are absorbed in
degree [33]. Many parents of students are unable social media and wasting their time (Table 1).
to send money due to the salary cuts or the University students cannot graduate from time to
reduction of their salaries. Consequently, time—those who have internet access and
numerous students are going through devices are continuing their online classes.
disorientation. Since the practical classes for Students who can clear their semester fees
Engineering students are no longer to doing online courses. Besides, private
conduct, students worry that they will not be Institutions are not reducing the semester fees,
getting the experience they need to land their not arranging the internet at a low price, and not
expected job. focusing on timely graduation. They are unable
On the other hand, the students who intend to to provide quality education online. Even they are
study abroad have to cancel their plans. failed to provide practical knowledge to the
International routes have been closed since the students, which is most needed for a graduate
beginning of the outbreak. Although there has student is a prerequisite for the welfare of a
been limited flight these days, countries have not nation.
made any decisions about international students
4.6.3 Temporary students grant and
yet. As a result, many of the students who had
scholarships
planned to pursue higher education abroad are
frustrated by not being able to pursue education University should waive the tuition fees
and achieve their desired goals. partially/fully and provide financial support for the
4.6 Some Important Strategies to Reduce student. All the departments and sectors related
to education must take care to eradicate all the
the Overall Damage Caused by
problems by taking these circumstances
COVID-19 seriously [32]. Cost-free nutritional food and
4.6.1 Reconstruction of educational drinking water should be provided to needy
strategies children by the government, besides ensuring
economic support to their family. Every school,
Education is the most dependable weapon in college, and university should provide
terms of national policy to enhance skills. The psychological counseling for the students [30].

42
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

Parents can play a vital role in home learning. education system and its associated students in
They can give importance to informal learning as Bangladesh. However, our study tried as much
well as formal education to their children. A case as possible to collect information, although it is
was recently reported in Australia, where parents not feasible for us to obtain a large amount of
engaged their child in such a learning system data during this epidemic.
[34]. These may help students to continue the
extra curriculum besides academic studies too CONSENT
[35].
As per international standard or university
4.6.4 Recommended administrational standard, participant’s written consent has been
approaches collected and preserved by the author(s).

The Government should take appropriate steps DEDICATION

to reduce the price of the internet. They can
provide education loans for the students and This study is dedicated to our respective parents,
teachers to buy smart gadgets. With the Ministry who have been our source of inspiration and
of Education and various agencies' help, have raised us to be a person we are today.
teachers need to be trained and made suitable
for taking online classes. Moreover, the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
government should try its best to hand over the
electronic devices to the students, which Italy did First of all, we would like to thank the Almighty
within months of the onset of the epidemic [36]. God for always guiding us to work on the right
We need to follow the way China has launched path of our life. Authors are expressing cordial
the world's most extensive online education gratitude to all data centre related to COVID-19.
system across the country. To prevent cheating Authors are also grateful for the direction of
in online exams, teachers can set questions that Mazaharul Islam to build Arc GIS Map.
require a higher level of thinking. UGC, School Corresponding Author would like to express his
college and, University authorities must come in deep and sincere gratitude to NUSRAT JAHAN &
front to solve this problem. The government AFNAN ISLAM TUBA for their support and
should initialize helping hand to them who lost constructive suggestions. We are felling blessed
their job due to this pandemic. To prevent the for all those scientific comments and suggestions
students' anxiety and depression in this present of the peer reviewers.
situation, society and family have to play a huge
COMPETING INTERESTS
role [30]. Furthermore, massive social awareness
and proper financial support from the respective Authors have declared that no competing
should be ensured for the students in this interests exist.
pandemic. Otherwise, the total educational
system may be devastated. REFERENCES
5. CONCLUSION 1. The Economic Times. Coronavirus
detected in Wuhan in late December:
This paper has outlined multiple impacts of China; 2020. [Online].
COVID-19 on the students in Bangladesh after Available:https://economictimes.indiatimes.
considering their financial states accordingly. The com/news/international/world-
inequality between students' access to the news/coronavirus-detected-in-wuhan-in-
internet and various gadgets has had a late-december-
devastating effect on countless students amid china/articleshow/75028126.cms
the COVID-19 outbreak. None of us knows Accessed: 23 August 2020
exactly how long the COVID-19 epidemic will 2. WHO, Rolling updates on coronavirus
last. It's creating a new world that we don't know disease (COVID-19); 2020. [Online].
of yet, but the education sector and students Accessed: 30 July 2020
must be resilient to adapt to new changes that 3. Worldometer, COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS
the epidemic will bring. Researchers may come PANDEMIC; 2020. [Online].
up with new ways to make universal education Available:https://www.worldometers.info/co
accessible to all students. This paper has not ronavirus/?utm_campaign=homeAdUOA?
covered large scale statistical analysis on the Si%3Ca%20href=
impact of COVID-19 on the Institutional Accessed: 31 July 2020

43
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

4. The Business Standard, First coronavirus Available:https://usaidlearninglab.org/lab-

cases detected in Bangladesh; 2020. notes/bangladesh%E2%80%99s-covid-19-
[Online]. multi-sector-impact-report-some-insights
Available:https://tbsnews.net/bangladesh/h Accessed: 1 August 2020
ealth/3-tested-positive-coronavirus- 12. Uddin M. Effects of the pandemic on the
bangladesh-iedcr-53476 education sector in Bangladesh; 2020.
Accessed: 31 July 2020 [Online].
5. The Hindu. Bangladesh to extend Available:https://thefinancialexpress.com.b
shutdown till May 30; 2020. [Online]. d/views/effects-of-the-pandemic-on-the-
Available:https://www.thehindu.com/news/i education-sector-in-bangladesh-
nternational/bangladesh-to-extend- 1592061447
shutdown-till-may-30/article31579303.ece Accessed: 1 August 2020
Accessed: 31 July 2020 13. USAID. EDUCATION; 2020. [Online].
6. The Business Standard. Bangladesh Available:https://www.usaid.gov/banglades
recorded highest Covid-19 positive cases h/education
on Tuesday; 2020. [Online]. Accessed: 23 August 2020
Available:https://tbsnews.net/coronavirus-
14. Tbsnews. Here comes the pay chop; 2020.
chronicle/covid-19-
[Online].
bangladesh/bangladesh-confirms-3-more-
deaths-coronavirus-549-new Available:https://tbsnews.net/economy/her
e-comes-pay-chop-78145
Accessed: 31 July 2020
7. The Daily Star. Coronavirus Scare : All Accessed: 1 August 2020
educational institutions closed till March 15. worldvision, 91% of Children surveyed by
31; 2020. [Online]. world vision felt distressed by COVID-19;
Available:https://www.thedailystar.net/back 2020. [Online].
page/news/coronavirus-scare-all- Available:https://www.worldvision.org.hk/e
educational-institutions-shut-till-march-31- n/news/press-
1881658 releases/Childrens_Voices_Survey
Accessed: 23 August 2020 Accessed: 1 August 2020
8. The Daily Star. Covid-19: Govt to extend 16. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Children at home
closure of educational institutions; 2020. in depression. 2020. [Online].
[Online]. Available:https://www.prothomalo.com/ban
Available:https://www.thedailystar.net/coun gladesh/article/1665404/%E0%A6%AC%E
try/news/covid-19-govt-extend-closure- 0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%A3%E
educational-institutions-1914265 0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E
Accessed: 11 July 2020 0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-
9. UNESCO. COVID-19 educational %E0%A6%98%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC
disruption and response: Radio paathshala %E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6
for students in Nepal’s Bagmati province; %E0%A7%80-
2020. [Online]. %E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B6
Available:https://en.unesco.org/news/covid %E0%A7%81-
-19-educational-disruption-and-response- %E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%87
radio-paathshala-students-nepals-bagmati- Accessed: 1 August 2020
province 17. The Independent. Street children in
Accessed: 30 July 2020 Bangladesh: A life of uncertainty; 2016.
10. UN News. Startling disparities in digital [Online].
learning emerge as COVID-19 spreads: Available:http://www.theindependentbd.co
UN education agency; 2020. [Online]. m/printversion/details/32932
Available:https://news.un.org/en/story/202 Accessed: 1 August 2020
0/04/1062232 18. The Business Standard. Covid-19 making
Accessed: 31 July 2020 things worse for children; 2020. [Online].
11. Devkota P, Rejve K, Janoch E. Available:https://tbsnews.net/feature/panor
Bangladesh’s COVID-19 multi-sector ama/covid-19-making-things-worse-
impact report: Some insights; 2020. children-92254
[Online]. Accessed: 1 August 2020

44
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

19. The Financial Express. Primary students to Available:https://www.bmdc.org.bd/about-

get televised lessons through Sangsad TV; college-n
2020. [Online]. Accessed: 1 August 2020
Available:https://thefinancialexpress.com.b 27. Islam DMS, Tanvir K, Amin DM, Salman
d/education/primary-students-to-get- M. Online classes for university students in
televised-lessons-through-sangsad-tv- Bangladesh during the Covid-19
1585565233 pandemic- is it feasible?; 2020. [Online].
Accessed: 1 August 2020 Available:https://tbsnews.net/thoughts/onli
20. Education Board. Ministry of education; ne-classes-university-students-
2005-2006. [Online]. bangladesh-during-covid-19-pandemic-it-
feasible-87454
Available:http://www.educationboard.gov.b
d/edb_statistics.php Accessed: 1 August 2020
Accessed: 1 August 2020 28. The Daily Star. Mobile internet slowest in
Bangladesh among 42 countries; 2020.
21. Dhaka Tribune. Is Covid-19 pandemic [Online].
leading to a rise in child marriage?; 2020.
Available:https://www.thedailystar.net/busi
[Online].
ness/news/mobile-internet-slowest-
Available:https://www.dhakatribune.com/b bangladesh-among-42-countries-1892761
angladesh/2020/07/09/parents-using- Accessed: 1 August 2020
pandemic-as-opportunity-to-marry-off-
29. Dhaka tribune. Landlords evict students,
underage-daughters
throw away belongings amid pandemic;
Accessed: 23 August 2020 2020. [Online].
22. HRW. Bangladesh: Girls damaged by child Available:https://www.dhakatribune.com/b
marriage; 2015. [Online]. angladesh/dhaka/2020/07/02/landlords-
Available:https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/0 evict-students-throw-away-belongings-
6/09/bangladesh-girls-damaged-child- amid-pandemic
marriage Accessed: 1 August 2020
Accessed: 1 August 2020 30. Hemanth LK. Changing trends of
23. Dhaka Tribune. HSC, equivalent exams social interaction during the pandemic
results: Higher pass rates, more GPA 5 and its effects on mental health – A
achievers this year; 2019. [Online]. student’s perspective. Asian Journal of
Available:https://www.dhakatribune.com/b Education and Social Studies. 2020;9(3):
angladesh/education/2019/07/18/hsc- 7-14.
equivalent-exams-results-higher-pass- 31. Mamun MA, Chandrima RM, Griffiths MD.
rates-more-gpa-5-achievers-this-year Mother and son suicide pact due to
Accessed: 1 August 2020 COVID-19-related online learning issues in
24. Dhaka Tribune. Covid-19: Educational Bangladesh: An unusual case report.
institutions engaging in online, virtual International Journal of Mental Health and
classes; 2020. [Online]. Addiction; 2020.
32. Jayalath C, Wickramasinghe U, Kottage
Available:https://www.dhakatribune.com/b
H. Factors influencing orderly transition
angladesh/education/2020/05/02/covid-19-
to online. Asian Journal of Education and
educational-institutions-engaging-in-online-
Social Studies. 2020;9(2):10-24.
virtual-classes
33. Upoalkpajor J-LN, Upoalkpajor CB.
Accessed: 1 August 2020
"The impact of COVID-19 on
25. UGC. University grants commission of education in Ghana," Asian Journal of
Bangladesh; 2019 - 2020. [Online]. Education and Social Studies. 2020;9(1):
Available:http://www.ugc- 23-33.
universities.gov.bd/public-universities 34. Ng C, Renshaw P. Transforming
Accessed: 1 August 2020 pedagogies in Australian schools amid the
26. BMDC. New list of recognized medical & COVID-19 pandemic: An activity theoretic
dental colleges and dental units (Govt. & reflection. Best evidence of Chinese
Non-Govt.); 2017-2018. [Online]. education. 2020;5(2):635-648.

45
 Emon et al.; AJESS, 11(2): 34-46, 2020; Article no.AJESS.61036

35. Etobro A. Benjamin Fabinu Emmanuel. 36. Pellegrini M, Maltinti C. School never
Effects of peer-assisted learning strategies stops: Measures and experience in Italian
as pedagogical approaches on students’ schools during the COVID-19 lockdown.
academic performance in basic science. Best Evidence of Chinese Education.
Asian Journal of Education and Social 2020;5(2):649-663.
Studies. 2018;2(2):1-8.

© 2020 Emon et al.; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.

Peer-review history:
The peer review history for this paper can be accessed here:
http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/61036

46

View publication stats