A government proposal to introduce online classes amid the ongoing energy crisis has triggered widespread concern among parents, many of whom fear it could worsen learning gaps and increase children’s dependence on digital devices.
The plan, under consideration by the Education Ministry, involves introducing a blended system in urban schools, combining in-person classes with online sessions several days a week.
While officials say the move is aimed at reducing pressure on energy use and traffic congestion, parents across Dhaka and nearby districts say the risks may outweigh the benefits.
Fear of rising device addiction
Abdullah Ahmed Chowdhury, a banker living in Dhaka’s Mirpur, told BBC Bangla that he had struggled to reduce his children’s mobile phone use after the pandemic.
“I have worked very hard to reduce my children’s mobile addiction. If online classes start again, they will have devices in their hands all the time. It will be very difficult to control later,” he said.
Similar concerns were echoed by Fardin Ferdous, a media worker in Gazipur, who warned that the proposed system could have long-term consequences.
“If this is introduced in the name of blended classes, children will become dependent on mobile phones, laptops or other devices,” he said, describing the move as potentially harmful for the education sector.
Inequality and access concerns
Parents also raised concerns about unequal access to devices and internet connectivity, warning that the shift could deepen educational inequality.
Many families, particularly in lower-income urban households, may not have access to smartphones, laptops or stable internet connections.
“This will create discrimination,” said Ferdous, adding that students without access to devices could fall behind.
Online responses gathered through public feedback also reflected similar concerns, with many calling for alternatives that would not exclude disadvantaged students.
Doubts over learning effectiveness
Parents and teachers alike questioned whether online classes could ensure effective learning.
Several parents said students struggled to remain focused during online sessions in the past, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Teachers also pointed to a lack of training and preparedness among educators, suggesting that online teaching methods remain inconsistent.
A teacher from a Dhaka-based school said previous experience showed students were easily distracted during virtual classes, leading to gaps in learning.
Mixed reactions, some support
Despite widespread concerns, some parents see potential benefits in the proposal.
Kaushik Azad Pranoy, a banker in Dhaka’s Badda area, told BBC Bangla that online classes could help reduce travel and fuel use during the ongoing crisis.
“Given the current situation, even full online classes could be considered,” he said.
Others suggested hybrid approaches, such as reducing school hours or maintaining physical classes with adjustments, instead of shifting to online learning.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque said the proposal is still under consideration and will be discussed in a cabinet meeting.
Officials said no final decision has been taken yet, and multiple options -- including online, hybrid, and alternative scheduling -- are being reviewed.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the government will take a decision after evaluating all aspects.
Experts warn of long-term impact
Education experts caution that a return to online classes without adequate preparation could deepen existing learning deficits.
Professor Mohammad Mojibur Rahman of Dhaka University told BBC Bangla that the country is at risk of turning a short-term energy challenge into a long-term education crisis.
He said that learning losses from the pandemic period have yet to be fully recovered and warned that another shift to online education could further widen gaps.
With memories of disrupted learning during the pandemic still fresh, many parents remain sceptical about returning to online education.
For them, the concern is not only about access or logistics -- but about the long-term impact on children’s attention, discipline, and overall learning.