The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to strain Bangladesh's energy sector, prompting the government to consider a set of cost effective measures, including partial online classes in educational institutions, to manage rising demand.
Officials said the pressure has increased after schools and colleges reopened on Sunday following the long Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. With temperatures expected to rise, the use of fans and air conditioners across institutions is likely to add further stress to the already stretched power supply. Authorities are now weighing options to conserve energy without disrupting academic activities.
Sources involved in the policy discussion said the proposal under consideration includes shifting some classes online instead of declaring fresh closures. Those concerned believe that suspending classes and examinations again could adversely affect the education system, which has already faced repeated disruptions in recent years.
The academic calendar has seen limited classroom activity so far this year. There were no regular classes during the first half of January due to textbook distribution and other administrative work, followed by a ten day annual sports programme. February saw only five days of classes, while most of March was spent on holidays. April was expected to mark a return to full academic schedules.
Teachers and guardians, however, have raised concerns over the effectiveness of resuming online classes at this stage. Samiran Das, father of a seventh grade student, said, "Three months of the year have passed; there has been no study. The school only opened on Sunday. Now if classes are closed again, they will be very hurt. They do not want to study if they are on vacation or sitting at home. The government should not harm the students anymore. Three to four years have passed with online classes and autopasses during the coronavirus. They could not learn anything during that time. It is important to have classes in schools. Even if the time is reduced or changed, classes should be continued in person."
Education experts also expressed reservations, citing structural and logistical constraints. They pointed to the lack of adequate devices and limited access in rural areas, which could undermine equitable learning outcomes. At the same time, some suggested a blended approach to manage the situation.
Dr Manzur Ahmed, Emeritus Professor at BRAC University, said, "In the field of education, many countries have started online classes in emergency situations, which is right. But in Bangladesh, the experience after starting online classes during the coronavirus was not good. We have seen that it is not very effective in our country. At that time, a big learning deficit was created for students." He added that if the crisis deepens, authorities should consider coordinating online and offline classes and adjust class schedules to reduce energy use. "The Ministry of Education should quickly make a plan in this regard in the light of past experience. In this case, the timing of educational institutions can be changed slightly. The weather will be cooler in the morning when classes are held. This will require less use of electric fans and ACs."
When contacted, Abdul Khalek, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, said no final decision has been taken. "We have not made a decision on this. Discussions are underway at the highest level of the government. Once we receive instructions, we will inform teachers, students, and parents about this."
