Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced on Tuesday that the government is considering introducing a hybrid (online-offline) education system in metropolitan areas to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate fuel pressure amid the ongoing energy crisis.
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials at the Circuit House in Barishal, Milon explained, “If we can reduce traffic on the roads and introduce a fuel rationing system, it will help conserve fuel. That is why we are thinking of implementing an online-offline schooling model in metropolitan cities where traffic pressure is high.”
The Minister further stressed the importance of moving towards digital education, highlighting that the country currently has a 45-day fuel reserve, with efforts underway to secure an additional 45 days.
Later, at 11am, Milon attended a meeting at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium with officials from the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, Madrasa Board, and Technical Education Board. The meeting focused on ensuring that the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations are held in a fair, smooth, and cheating-free environment. The minister urged teachers to support students and emphasized the need to maintain a conducive atmosphere for the exams.
Addressing concerns about teachers’ retirement benefits and welfare trust funds, Milon stated that teachers had not received these benefits since 2022 and alleged that Tk 7,000 crore had been misappropriated by the previous government. He added that structural reforms had already been made, but the funds may only be arranged in the next national budget.
Milon also touched on the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), established during the previous administration, which he claimed had become riddled with corruption. He noted that headmaster recruitment and teacher transfers are now fully managed by the NTRCA to ensure greater transparency.
In the afternoon, the Minister held a discussion with journalists at the Barishal City Corporation office. Responding to questions, Milon claimed that while traditional exam cheating has largely been eradicated, its 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. He added that the issue had been raised in the cabinet and that a law would be passed through Parliament to address it.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Mazibar Rahman Sarwar, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam, Barishal Deputy Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, and other officials from the Barishal education board and institutions.
