DHAKA, Mar 31 (V7N) — Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced on Tuesday that the government is formally considering a hybrid "online and offline" model for school-level education. The proposal, aimed at navigating the intensifying national fuel crisis and public health concerns, is set to be presented during the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, April 2.

The announcement followed a high-level consultation between the Education Minister and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday morning. Minister Milon noted that while the government has already decided to keep schools open on Saturdays to compensate for teaching gaps caused by Ramadan and other disruptions, the compounding pressures of fuel shortages, severe traffic congestion, and the recent measles outbreak have forced a strategic rethink.

A recent government survey revealed that approximately 55 percent of students and guardians favor a partial shift to online education. However, the Minister emphasized that the government remains cautious about the potential for social isolation among youth. "We are seriously considering the psychological impact on students if complete online education were introduced," Milon stated, reinforcing that a balanced hybrid approach is currently the preferred direction.

The proposed transition is initially being targeted at the primary and secondary school levels. While discussions regarding colleges are ongoing, the Minister indicated that universities would likely maintain their current arrangements for the time being.

To address the root causes of the transport crisis in metropolitan areas, the Ministry is also exploring several long-term alternative measures, including:

  • Dedicated Student Bus Services: Reducing the reliance on private transport.

  • Green Transit: Prioritizing the introduction of electric buses and solar-powered transport systems.

  • Metro Integration: Leveraging the expanded metro rail network to facilitate student commutes.

The final decision on the hybrid schooling roadmap will be determined following Thursday’s Cabinet deliberations, where the Prime Minister is expected to review the logistical feasibility of the plan.

END/SMA/AJ