Classes in person 3 days a week, 3 days online

The government has decided to conduct classes three days a week in person (offline) and three days online in some selected major educational institutions in Dhaka to ease traffic congestion and save energy, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said.

He revealed the information at a press conference at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital on Thursday.

The new class schedule will begin on pilot basis form from next week.

“Right now, initiatives are being taken to launch this system as a ‘pilot project’ in renowned educational institutions in traffic-prone areas of Dhaka city,” he said.

He said the government is going to start this ‘blended education’ or integrated education programme with those educational institutions having the capacity.

It was informed at the press conference that classes will be held six days a week in selected educational institutions. Of those, classes in person will be held on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, while online classes (from home) will be held on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. There will be a weekly holiday in educational institutions on Friday.

Milon said even though students can join online classes from home, teachers will have to be present at their schools to conduct online classes.

At the press conference, Majeda Begum, acting principal of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, welcomed this initiative of the government and said, ‘Viqarunnisa is a huge institution where about 25,000 students study. In this time of global and national energy crisis, we should all stand by the country.”

“Currently, students coming from Jatrabari or far-away are not able to come to school regularly due to the increase in CNG or rickshaw fares. Online classes will bring a great relief to them,” she said.

Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque, and heads of different renowned educational institutions were present at the press conference.