The authorities of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia has asked the departments to prepare lists of indigent students who will need assistance to buy smartphones for attending online classes during the coronavirus pandemic.

A press release, signed by acting Registrar SM Abdul Latif, was issued in this regard on Thursday.

The chairpersons of all departments were asked to file the lists by August 19.

Further steps would be taken as par the direction of University Grants Commission, the press release said.

Talking to UNB, IU VC Professor Dr Rashid Askari said,  "I thank the government for the initiative to help the financially underprivileged students with digital devices. It is a very timely attempt to minimise the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our education sector and it will help solve the problems of the digital divide in Bangladesh."

Also read: List students who can’t afford smartphones: UGC to public universities