Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said the government is considering introducing a hybrid (online-offline) education system in metropolitan areas to reduce traffic congestion and save fuel amid the current energy situation.
“If we can reduce traffic on the roads and introduce a fuel rationing system, it will help conserve fuel. That is why we are planning to bring schools in major cities under a hybrid system,” he said.
He made the remarks while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials at the Circuit House in Barishal. The minister also stressed the need to move towards digital education.
Milon said the country currently has a 45-day fuel reserve and efforts are underway to secure an additional 45 days.
Later at 11:00am, he attended a meeting at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium with centre secretaries under the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, Madrasa Board and Technical Education Board to ensure that the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations are held in a fair, smooth and cheating-free manner.
He urged teachers to support students and maintain a proper examination environment.
Regarding teachers’ retirement benefits and welfare trust funds, the minister said payments have been pending since 2022, alleging that Tk 7,000 crore had been misappropriated by the previous government. He added that reforms have already been made, but funds may be arranged in the next national budget.
He also said that although the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) was established earlier, it later became affected by corruption. Now, recruitment of headmasters and teacher transfers have been brought fully under NTRCA to ensure transparency.
In the afternoon, the minister exchanged views with journalists at the Barishal City Corporation office.
Responding to questions, he said traditional cheating in exams has largely been eliminated, but methods have evolved.
“Cheating has changed its form. It is no longer done on paper—now digital means, including AI, are being used,” he said, adding that the issue has been discussed in the cabinet and a law will be passed through parliament to address it.
Among others present were MP Mazibar Rahman Sarwar, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam and Deputy Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, along with officials from the Barishal education board and other institutions.