The government has decided to introduce a hybrid learning system – combining online and in-person classes – on a trial basis in selected educational institutions in the capital, beginning on Saturday.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon disclosed the decision at a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka on Thursday.

The move comes amid the global energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. It also aims to ease chronic traffic congestion and cater to the growing need for technology-driven learning.

Under the new system, classes will be held six days a week, with three days allocated for in-person classes and three days for online sessions, he said.

According to the schedule, in-person classes will take place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, while online classes will be conducted on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Friday will remain the weekly holiday.

The minister said institutions such as Viqarunnisa Noon School and College will be among those where the blended learning system will initially be launched.

Teachers will be required to be physically present at their respective institutions while conducting classes, he said.

The system will be introduced in institutions that have the capacity to implement it, Milon said.

Meanwhile, the heads of different educational institutions, who were present at the press briefing, lent their support to the blended learning method and assured full cooperation in implementing the government’s initiative.

However, speakers at the meeting emphasised the need for uninterrupted electricity supply, reliable internet connectivity and proper monitoring to ensure student participation.

A proposal was also placed to introduce a reporting system to track students’ attendance and activities in online classes, which would be evaluated through follow-up in offline sessions.

The minister said the initiative is not mandatory but will be implemented gradually in a planned manner. Institutions with the necessary capacity will be allowed to join the system voluntarily, with the possibility of expanding it in the future.

The programme will initially be launched as a pilot project in large and traffic-congested areas of Dhaka, Milon said.

Clarifying the implementation process, he said teachers must remain present at their respective institutions to conduct online classes and will not be allowed to take classes from home.

Noting that adapting to the education system has become necessary in the context of the global energy crisis and the country’s overall situation, the minister expressed hope that the initiative will succeed through collective efforts.

Secretary to the Secondary and Higher Education Division Abdul Khaleque was also present at the briefing.