Bangladesh said educational institutions across the country will be suspended for next two weeks as a precautionary measure to fight possible spread of coronavirus after the number of the infected people rose to 8 on Monday.

"Primarily we decided to close the educational institutions on March 17-31, and further decision will be taken after March 31, if necessary," Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, the country's deputy education minister, told Anadolu Agency.

He noted the ministry will also issue relevant formal instructions shortly.

The decision came amid fears of spread of the coronavirus pandemic as three more Bangladeshi citizens from the same family were reported positive on Monday, rising the tally to 8.