Selected Dhaka schools to pilot blended learning

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced on Wednesday that the government is considering launching a pilot hybrid education system in selected Dhaka schools.

The initiative will combine online and offline classes to address the global energy crisis, traffic congestion, and the growing need for technology-driven learning.

“Not all schools will be included initially—only those with the necessary capacity will be part of the pilot project,” Milon said while speaking at a seminar titled ‘Continuing Education and Saving Electricity Amid the Global Energy Crisis’ at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

Under the proposed model, students will attend in-person classes on certain days and participate online on others. Milon said this approach will reduce commuting, ease traffic, cut fuel consumption, and allow students to continue their regular curriculum without disruption.

The minister highlighted that technological and social shifts have historically created opportunities, and the current energy and traffic challenges demand a reimagining of Bangladesh’s education system.

He stressed that future education will be technology-driven and largely paperless, preparing students for a digital world.

Teacher training and monitoring will be key to ensuring the effectiveness of online learning and maintaining student engagement.

Milon also noted broader energy-saving measures, including limits on office air conditioning, flexible working hours, increased solar power use, and promotion of electric transport.

The government plans to implement the pilot in phases, gradually preparing students for global competition.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, present at the seminar, said he hopes the ongoing crisis can be overcome through collective cooperation.