Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has 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 rationing system for fuel, it will help conserve fuel. That is why we are thinking of bringing schools in metropolitan cities—where traffic pressure is high—under an online-offline system,” he said. 

He was speaking at a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials at the Circuit House in Barishal this morning. 

The minister also stressed the need to move towards digital education.

Milon added that the country currently has a 45-day fuel reserve, and efforts are underway to secure an additional 45-day.  

Later at 11:00 am, the minister attended a meeting at 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 environment.

He urged teachers to support students and emphasized maintaining a conducive environment for examinations.

Regarding teachers’ retirement benefits and welfare trust funds, the minister said that teachers have 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 have already been made, but the funds may only be arranged in the next national budget.

Milon also mentioned that while the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) as established during the  previous administration, it later became plagued by corruption. 

Now, he said, headmaster recruitment 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 claimed that traditional cheating in exams has largely been eliminated, though 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, adding that the issue has been raised in the cabinet and a law will be passed through parliament to address it.

Among others present at the programme were 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 officials from the Barishal education board and other institutions.