Classes will be conducted six days a week, with three days held online

A high-level meeting of the Education Ministry on Tuesday decided that schools and colleges in Dhaka city will operate six days a week, with three days of classes held online.

Under the proposed schedule, in-person and online classes will be conducted on alternate days, and teachers will be required to be physically present at their institutions on both occasions.

The meeting, attended by officials from schools, colleges, the Dhaka Education Board and the ministry, also decided that all practical classes must be conducted offline.

A final decision is expected at an emergency meeting on Wednesday, where the ministry will also determine whether the blended education system will be introduced in other parts of the country.

Earlier, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon told reporters at the Secretariat that the government is considering a blended learning approach for Bangla and English medium schools and colleges across metropolitan areas.

He noted that the ongoing Middle East war and the resulting global supply disruptions have made it necessary to reduce offline class hours.

Referring to a recent survey, the minister said 55 percent of respondents supported the online system. However, officials emphasized the need to continue in-person classes alongside virtual learning to ensure students remain socially connected.

The introduction of a six-day school week is also under consideration to compensate for academic losses caused by the Eid and Ramadan holidays, as well as various movements.