The Department of Agriculture Extension has advised harvesting Boro paddy at 80 per cent maturity in Haor region to avoid the adverse effects of possible heavy rainfall.

The department gave this advice in an emergency notice sent to the media on Sunday (April 28).

It is said that according to the forecast of the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places in North-East Haor region of Bangladesh (Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria and Netrokono) from May 3. In such a situation the following suggestions are given to protect standing crops from the harmful effects of heavy rainfall in Haor region:

>> When boro paddy is 80 percent mature, collect it quickly and keep it in a safe and dry place.

>> Harvest fast ripening vegetables.

>> Keep the drains clean so that water does not accumulate in the paddy field.

>> Raise the land aisle.

>> Take measures to remove excess manure from cropland.

>> Avoid irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides.

>> Apply herbicide after rainfall.

>> Arrange poles for bananas and other horticultural crops and vegetables. 

Educational institutions have reopened after more than a month of vacation due to Eid and severe heat wave. According to the decision of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, teaching has resumed from Sunday. The teaching time schedule has been changed to the new time. But even at that time the students are at risk of intense heat.

Parents said that students have to change their routine regularly. Naturally, students have to get some momentum in making new habits. Besides, many students are being deprived of study time and private tuition facilities. Apart from this, the temperature outside becomes unbearable after 9 am due to heat wave in the country. As a result, students are not out of danger in teaching according to the new time. In such a situation, online classes are better, they said

Marano Marin, a sixth-grader at Farmgate Bottomley Home Girls School. She regularly comes to school at 10 am. Wake up at 8 in the morning as per daily habit, have breakfast and get ready. However, this student took about 35 and half minutes to prepare herself for the new rules. Merino Lina, Marino's mother, said that she is suffering from a headache due to lack of sleep.

"There are certain aspects of our habits that cannot be changed," says Lina Even if there are changes, there are many complications and there are many problems to adapt. It is more in the case of children.

She said, the heat can no longer be tolerated at 10 o'clock in the morning. Decisions taken to protect children are not benefiting them in any way. As severe as the weather has become, there is no way to change the time. Online classes are required for this.

Amena Khatun, mother of a class 4 student of Nakhal Para Primary School, said that the heat wave is high from morning to afternoon. As a result, keeping students at home is the way to prevent what we are talking about. In this case, as long as the heat wave lasts, their online education system seems to be the best for us.

Maruf, a class nine student of Civil Aviation School said, "We have a habit of a regular morning routine." Out of which there is some problem today to fix the new time. However, the afternoon sun did not get rid of it. The body is sweating now in such a situation it would be better if we had online classes

According to the government's new timings, the schools run in one shift (shift) from 8 am to 11:30 pm every day. And in two shifts, the first shift will run from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and the second shift will run from 10:15 am to 11:30 pm.

Is it possible to protect children from heat and sun by changing the shift? In this context, pediatricians say that children are most at risk of intense heat flow. Overheated children may have diarrhea, pneumonia, jaundice. Besides, children are suffering from fever, cold and cough. Inflammation of the respiratory system, ear infections, tonsillitis and pneumonia can also occur. Hot sun can cause skin blisters, skin discoloration, fungal infections, rashes and itching. As a result, everyone is advised to stay at home to protect children from the sun.

Doctors said, the current temperature is totally abnormal for children. As a result, children can be affected in various ways. It is important to keep children in a cool and shaded place. And family awareness should be raised to avoid heat. So not shift change, but a safe place for child protection is definitely needed.

Pediatrician and Associate Scientist at ICDDRB Hospital Farhana Afroz said that the heat flow is increasing day by day. As a result children and old people are suffering from various diseases. Children in particular are at increased risk. Therefore, special attention should be paid to children.

She said, children should be kept away from heat as well as dust. Outside food and drinking water should be prevented from contamination. Children may become dizzy due to discomfort in intense heat. It is best to stay indoors during the day to avoid all risks.

Incidentally, the heat wave started in the country from March 31. Continuous heat wave for the last 28 days; which was never seen in the past. In this situation, the government did not open schools after the Eid holiday. A holiday was declared in schools and colleges till April 27 due to unbearable heat.

The United Nations children's fund UNICEF has also called for special measures for children this summer, reminding them that they are at 'very high risk'. 

The sweetness of Rajshahi mangoes and the soft touch of silk blend with tradition. Jarul Phul has created a new magic there. The blue glow of Jarul has now created a charming scene in the heart of this city known as Muktadhara. Along the way, across the alleys, the colorful blue to dark blue play of Jarul flowers enveloped Rajshahi in a different kind of beauty.

This beauty is not only eye-catching but also leaves a soft touch of joy deep in the heart. Where Rajshahi, famous for its mangoes and silks, now covered in the turquoise of Jarul, has become a new center of attraction.

Jarul flowers fascinate nature lovers with their beauty and fragrance. The flower reaches its full maturity from early spring to late summer.

Jarul is now a common sight in various parks, University campuses, roadsides and house yards in Rajshahi. The people of the city say that this gentle presence of Jarul instills a sense of peace in their minds, which creates an atmosphere of liberation from the noise of the daily hustle and bustle.

Environmentalists and horticulturists believe that this wide spread of Jarul helps in controlling the city's climate and air pollution levels. Also, it contributes to increasing biodiversity.

Jharul's magnificent scenery in different parts of the city adds a new chapter to the natural beauty and cultural chapter. It is now a center of attraction for photographers and tourists. They said, this wonderful beauty of Jarul captures a different dimension in their camera lens.

This flower has added a sweet chapter in the life of the people of Rajshahi city. The charming touch of Jarul makes the beauty that grows on the way here more special, which makes the face of Rajshahi familiar in a new identity. This rich land is now wrapped in a new charm - the magical touch of Jarul flowers.

Impressed by the blue glow of Jarul, poet Ahsan Habib praised Jarul in his poem "Swades". He wrote, the light of happiness lit up in the corner of the mind, then drew a unique picture - a huge jarul tree on one side, two yellow birds on its branches.

Not only Ahsan Habib, 'poet of Rupsi Bengal' Jibanananda Das also brought alive the artistic form of Jarul in his poetry.

He wrote, 'The clouds come wet at the side of the river alone, sitting on the branch of the Jarul tree and looking at the other side.' by doing

From the railway gate of the city to the heritage square and the islands of the bypass road, the beauty of Jarul flowers is eye-catching. Travelers on this route are mesmerized by the beautiful scenery that unfolds before their eyes.

Alfaz Uddin is returning home through this route after office. He said, I feel a unique happiness by traveling this way every day. The work of the office should disappear in the magic of this path. The beauty of Jarul flowers is truly unparalleled. I think, let's take them home.

Meanwhile, an abundance of Jarul flowers can be seen everywhere in reputed Rajshahi College, which attracts the eyes of students and visitors.

Aishi Islam, a second year student of the Department of Psychology of Rajshahi College, said that the special collection of Jarul in the flower garden of Rajshahi College brings another sense of tranquility. Especially the flowers blooming on the newly planted saplings touch our hearts.

Rajshahi College former teacher of Botany department Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said, this beauty of Jarul flower is not only eye-catching, but through it the environmental quality and diversity of Rajshahi city is increasing. Jarul flower is an eco-friendly plant and its natural beauty has a positive effect on the weather and environment of the city. In addition, jarul flowers attract different species of birds and butterflies, which helps increase ecological diversity.

He also said that the use of Jarul flowers in educational institutions, parks and roads of Rajshahi is playing a double role in the beauty and environmental protection of the city. It is helping to increase environmental awareness among the city dwellers while enjoying the natural beauty.

Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim also added that Jarul flower shows its purple bloom with the arrival of summer, its beauty prevails from summer to autumn. Students are introduced to the scientific name and identity of each of these medium height trees. Jarul seeds, bark and leaves are effective in diabetes, fever, insomnia, cough, and indigestion, making it not only a symbol of beauty, but an invaluable medicinal plant.

All the primary schools and colleges of the country have opened amid the intense heat wave that is sweeping across the country. After the 32-day long vacation of Ramadan, Eid and heat wave, the premises of the educational institution has become full of students again.

The government has decided to open classes on weekends and Saturdays from next week to meet the shortage of learning caused by the closure. However, this decision will not be effective in the case of primary schools.

On Saturday morning (April 27), the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education informed that, due to the ongoing heat wave, government primary schools under the Directorate of Primary Education, Shishu Kalyan Primary Schools managed by the Shishu Kalyan Trust and learning centers managed by the Non-Formal Education Bureau have closed the classes of government primary schools from Sunday. Activities will continue. The schools run in one shift from 8 am to 11:30 pm daily. Schools operating in two shifts will have first shift from 8 am to 9:30 am and second shift from 9:45 am to 11:30 pm.

Students of schools and colleges across the country, including the capital, have started returning to classrooms despite the scorching heat. Parents are sending children to school. Students are also excited to return to the classroom after a long time.

However, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Education, the assembly in the educational institutions will be dropped until the heat comes to a bearable level. The upazila education officer will formulate a weekly routine for conducting upazila-wise class activities taking into account the routine sent by the Directorate of Primary Education for conducting class activities with the concerned. Pre-primary classes will remain closed until further notice.