Barishal: Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has announced the government’s consideration of a hybrid (online-offline) schooling system in metropolitan areas to alleviate traffic congestion and conserve fuel, given the current energy challenges. The initiative aims to reduce road traffic and implement fuel rationing, especially in cities where traffic pressure is significant.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister shared these insights during a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials at the Circuit House in Barishal. He emphasized the importance of transitioning towards digital education and highlighted the nation’s current 45-day fuel reserve, with efforts underway to extend this by another 45 days.
Later, at a meeting at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, Milon engaged with centre secretaries from various education boards to ensure an environment conducive to fair and smooth SSC and equivalent examinations. He urged teachers to support students and underscored the need for a cheating-free examination environment.
Addressing the issue of teachers’ retirement benefits and welfare trust funds, the minister alleged misappropriation of Tk 7,000 crore by the previous government, causing a halt in benefits since 2022. Structural reforms have been initiated, but funds might only be allocated in the next national budget. Milon also mentioned efforts to ensure transparency in recruitment and transfers under the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), which had been marred by corruption.
During an afternoon session with journalists at the Barishal City Corporation office, Milon discussed the evolution of cheating methods in exams, now using digital means, including AI. He noted that this issue has been raised in the cabinet, with a law to be introduced in parliament to tackle it.
The programme was attended by 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, and Barishal Deputy Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, along with other officials from the Barishal education board and related institutions.