The government has decided to implement a new "blended education" model in selected major educational institutions in Dhaka, featuring three days of in-person classes and three days of online instruction per week.

The initiative, aimed at easing the city’s traffic congestion and conserving energy, will begin on a pilot basis starting next week.

Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced the decision today during a press conference held at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.

“Right now, initiatives are being taken to launch this system as a ‘pilot project’ in renowned educational institutions in traffic-prone areas of Dhaka city,” the Minister said, adding that the program would start with institutions that already possess the necessary digital capacity.

Under the new schedule, classes will be held six days a week. In-person (offline) classes are scheduled for Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday, while online classes will take place on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Friday will remain the weekly holiday. Minister Milon clarified that while students will join online sessions from home, teachers are required to be present at their respective schools to conduct these classes.

Welcoming the move, Majeda Begum, acting principal of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, noted the logistical benefits for her institution's 25,000 students.

“In this time of global and national energy crisis, we should all stand by the country. Currently, students coming from Jatrabari or far-away are not able to come to school regularly due to the increase in CNG or rickshaw fares. Online classes will bring a great relief to them,” she said.

The press conference was also attended by Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque and heads of various prominent educational institutions.