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DHAKA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - The Directorate of Madrasa Education has instructed all government and non-government madrasas across the country to take strict measures to save electricity and fuel and to undertake awareness-building activities in view of the increasing risk of lightning. 

The directives were given in two separate office orders issued by the Directorate today. 

According to the directive from the Technical and Madrasa Education Division under the Ministry of Education, effective initiatives must be taken at all levels, both government and non-government, to save electricity and fuel. 

The instructions include ensuring the use of shared transport for official work, avoiding unnecessary use of electric lights, and maintaining air conditioner (AC) temperature at 25 degrees Celsius.

It also said that the use of air conditioners in government vehicles must be limited and unnecessary protocols in official activities should be avoided.

Furthermore, to raise public awareness about saving electricity and fuel, the concerned departments and organizations have been asked to provide necessary instructions to educational institutions under their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, lighting-related directive was issued following a recent letter from the Disaster Management Department. 

According to the letter, the government declared lightning a 'disaster' in 2016. In recent years, an average of 300 to 400 people have died annually due to lightning strikes in the country.

In this context, raising public awareness has been identified as an effective means to reduce casualties and risks caused by lightning.

As per the directive, in line with the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) 2019, all educational institutions at district and upazila levels must disseminate awareness messages on thunderstorms and lightning among students during class hours.

Additionally, necessary steps have been advised to broadcast precautionary messages regarding lightning safety before Jumma prayers in mosques and at convenient times in other places of worship.

The Directorate has also issued several safety guidelines to remain protected during lightning. 

Notably, as lightning occurrences are higher between April and June, people are advised to stay away from water bodies during dark cloud formations, avoid touching metallic objects or electrical equipment, and stay away from windows during lightning.

According to the guidelines, individuals outdoors should immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid standing near tall trees or electric poles. In open fields, people are advised to crouch low by bending down with fingers in their ears and balancing on the toes. If anyone is struck by lightning, they should be given immediate first aid and taken to a hospital without delay.

People have also been requested to dial 1090 from any mobile phone to receive emergency weather updates.

The Directorate of Madrasa Education has requested principals, superintendents, and heads of primary (Ebtedayee) sections of all government madrasas, Bangladesh Madrasa Teachers' Training Institute (BMTTI), and non-government madrasas to implement the directive.

At the same time, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and district and upazila education officers have been asked to ensure compliance with the directive in madrasas under their respective jurisdictions.