by Naim-Ul-Karim
DHAKA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- As with many countries and regions worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the daily life of students in Bangladesh.
All of the country's educational institutions have closed since the outbreak of the virus here on March 8.
Students, as a result, have been attending online classes from their homes and socializing remotely as their daily lives have had to adjust due to the effects of the pandemic.
Some students while talking to Xinhua recently in the capital city of Dhaka shared various insights into their new lives and situations amid the pandemic.
Some of the pandemic-induced changes have actually been for the better, some of the students said, as they have been able to spend more time with their family members, especially with parents who would ordinarily be busy working.
Fatin Hasnat Chowdhury Ishti, a student at Dhaka's Imperial College, said, however, that he misses his classmates and other friends.
"I'm bored after staying at home for months since March," said the student who just completed his first year in college.
"Learning and socializing remotely helps me to a large extent to cope with the boredom and social distancing measures," he added.
"I just want to go back to my school soon and play with my friends," said Abrar-N-Karim, a student at the Oxford International School in Dhaka.
"I've had enough of the boredom!" He exclaimed.
"I want all countries and regions around the world to step up efforts to eliminate the COVID-19 virus that has made our lives hell," the standard 1 student added.
For Dhaka University student Rubel Hossain home was just a place to rest his head at night.
"But now home is my everything. I understand the situation and know there's no way to change this new reality, even though it's really tough," said Hossain.
After a few online classes in the morning, Asif Mahmud, a student of Dhaka's North South University, said he now passes time with friends mostly on social media which is the only way to connect with friends.
Mahmud and his friends are doing something benevolent on social media. They have joined a blood donation group of 2,000 people which helps people in need of transfusions.
He said they have supported many people who have recovered from disease and are ready for plasma donations.
Mahmud said the global pandemic created an opportunity for him to spend more time with family members.
"For the first time in many years after college, I've spent a lot of time at home with my family members, including my working parents."
"For this reason I'm happy, although the pandemic has messed with my life," said Mahmud.
Some students, meanwhile, said the COVID-19 pandemic has offered opportunities for them to learn how to cope with grim situations.
"I've been supporting my mom to prepare food these days," said Tasmia Jahan Chowdhury Arpa, a student of Dhaka's Ideal School and College, adding this has been a great experience for her.
"Now I know how to do so many things on my own. This will surely help me in the future to stand on my own feet," the seventh grade girl said. Enditem
