Providing an update on the country’s fuel reserves, the minister stated that Bangladesh currently has a 45-day fuel reserve, and efforts are underway to extend it by another 45 days

Staff Reporter:

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Tuesday said that the government is considering shifting schools in metropolitan areas to a hybrid online-offline education system in response to the ongoing fuel situation.

Speaking at a meeting with administrative officials of various government departments at the Barisal Circuit House on Tuesday morning, the minister emphasized that reducing traffic congestion and implementing a rationed fuel distribution system could help conserve fuel.

“We are considering moving schools in metropolitan cities with high traffic to the online-offline system. At the same time, we must advance towards digital education,” the education minister said.

Providing an update on the country’s fuel reserves, the minister stated that Bangladesh currently has a 45-day fuel reserve, and efforts are underway to extend it by another 45 days. “At this moment, the government does not intend to raise fuel prices,” he added.

Later, on Tuesday, the education minister met with central secretaries under the Barisal region of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Boards, Madrasa Board, and Technical Board at the Barisal District Shilpyakala Academy auditorium.

The meeting focused on ensuring that the SSC and equivalent examinations are conducted smoothly, fairly, and free from malpractice.

During the meeting, the minister urged teachers to cooperate with students and highlighted the importance of maintaining a conducive environment for upcoming examinations.

Addressing the issue of the Teachers’ Retirement and Welfare Trust, he said that teachers have not received benefits since 2022. He alleged that the previous government embezzled Tk 7,000 crore intended for teachers, adding that the funds will be disbursed in the upcoming budget. Structural reforms necessary for the system, he noted, have already been implemented.

The minister also criticized the previous government for turning the National Teacher Recruitment Cell (NTRC) into a hub of corruption. “Currently, appointments of head teachers and teacher transfers are all being managed through the NTRC,” he said.