Bangladesh weighs hybrid schooling amid energy shortages, measles surge

The Bangladesh government is considering introducing a hybrid learning model in metropolitan schools as it grapples with a worsening global energy crisis and a sharp rise in measles infections.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon made the announcement on March 31 following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"We'll prepare a proposal specifying how many days per week will be dedicated to online instruction and how many to in-person teaching," the minister said.

Under the proposed system, schools in major cities would combine online and classroom-based instruction in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and limit the spread of infection. The cabinet is expected to make a final decision on April 2.

Bangladesh, which depends almost entirely on imported fuel oil, has recently faced prolonged queues at filling stations, underscoring mounting energy pressures.

At the same time, health authorities are confronting a resurgence of measles cases.

Infections began rising in December and have accelerated sharply this month. Of the 38 deaths reported nationwide so far this year, 32 occurred this month alone — including 21 at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Dhaka. Three of those deaths were recorded on March 29.

By Sabina Mammadli