School closure due to the coronavirus pandemic will be extended and decisions regarding holding Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will be announced next week -- Monday or Tuesday.

Education Minister Dipu Moni said this while attending a views exchange programme with reporters today.

She also said that HSC examinees will be informed about the date of exams at least four weeks before the exams begin.

"Situation is still not favourable for reopening of schools, so school closure will be extended. We will let you know the date and duration soon," Dipu Moni said during a virtual programme.

On March 17, the government closed the schools to contain the spread of coronavirus. The closure was extended till October 3. The long closure has led to the cancellation of exams and left academic calendars in disarray.

"We will announce our specific plans regarding holding HSC exams on Monday or Tuesday," Dipu Moni said.

HSC and equivalent exams slated for April 1 were postponed on March 22 in fear of coronavirus spread.

The education minister said that earlier they were considering giving students 15 days before holding exams; now they are considering giving them four weeks. 

Dipu Moni said that the government will have an alternative mechanism for any student who will not be able to take exams due to Covid-19 infection.

She said that the government is working on different options regarding HSC exams.

"We are working on a range of possibilities as to how the exams can be held within shortest possible time, on how many subjects, on how many marks," Dipu Moni said.

"Some people are talking about results without any exams, we are also keeping it as an option," she said.