Education experts and guardians have criticised a new hybrid schooling plan announced for selected schools in Dhaka, describing it as a “hasty” and poorly explained initiative that risks widening inequality in access to education.
The proposal introduces a mixed system of three days of in-person classes and three days of online learning each week. Critics say the plan lacks clear guidelines, logistical preparation, and consideration of the country’s uneven digital access.
Experts warn that a uniform approach could disadvantage students without reliable internet connections or personal devices, particularly outside urban centres.
Education analyst M Wahiduzzaman questioned the rationale behind the move, noting that authorities have denied any fuel or energy crisis.
“If there is no emergency, it is unclear why such measures are needed. Global models do not always fit local realities,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Drawing on past experience, he said online education during the Covid-19 pandemic had been largely ineffective.
“Students struggled before, and now they are being subjected to another experiment. Children should not be treated as test cases,” he said.
Guardians raised similar concerns, particularly over access and the impact on children’s learning.
Mahmudur Rahman, whose son studies in Class 3, said education should not be subject to experimentation.
“Many children do not have their own devices and depend on their parents’. Increased screen exposure may also reduce attention and focus,” he said.
Experts and parents agreed that while energy conservation is important, hybrid schooling alone cannot address broader challenges in the education system.
“Policies must prioritise students’ learning and well-being, not symbolic measures,” Wahiduzzaman added.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced the revised schedule on Thursday, saying it aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce energy use.
Under the plan, students will attend classes in person on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, with online sessions on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The system will initially apply only to selected schools capable of implementing it.
