Dhaka: Jahangirnagar University (JU) will begin a 25-day vacation on Friday in observance of the summer break and Eid-ul-Adha.

Students have begun leaving the residential halls to spend the holidays and celebrate Eid with their families.

According to a notice signed by the university's acting registrar, ABM Azizur Rahman, academic classes of various departments will remain closed from Thursday to June 15 for the summer and Eid-ul-Adha holidays, totalling 25 days.

Meanwhile, university offices will remain closed from Wednesday until June 12, for a total of 16 days.

When asked about the feeling of returning home after a long time, Sheikh Rahat, a fourth-year student at the university, said: “Throughout the year, I hardly get time to breathe due to classes, exams, and assignments. With the combined summer and Eid holidays, I’ll finally be able to spend time with my family, which feels really good. Since the vacation began well before Eid, I had no trouble getting a bus ticket. So, I’m quite happy about this long break.”

Sadia Rahman, a first-year student, said: “This is the first time I’m getting such a long holiday during Eid. Although it’s sad to part with my friends, the joy of going home to my family is far greater.”

However, many students plan to go home later this month due to tutoring jobs and other commitments.

During the vacation, the university’s Dhaka-to-campus bus service will operate according to the holiday schedule.

In response to a question about whether the residential halls would remain open during the 25-day vacation, Professor Md Nazrul Islam, president of the Hall Provost Committee, said that the halls would not be vacated.

However, for the safety of students, they will not be allowed to stay outside the hall premises after 6pm, Nazrul said.

When asked whether the dining halls and canteens would remain open since the halls are not being closed, he replied: “Dining services will remain closed, but the canteen may stay open if the canteen director chooses to do so.”

Regarding the overall situation, JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said: “Students who remain in the halls during the summer and Eid holidays due to special circumstances will be provided with the necessary security and services.”