Jamaat opposes online class decision

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly criticised the government’s decision to introduce online classes in schools and colleges, warning that the move could harm students and deepen inequality in education.

Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, voiced the criticism in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the decision as “highly undesirable” and “short-sighted”.

The plan was discussed at a coordination meeting held at the Secretariat on March 31, proposing online classes three days a week in educational institutions in Dhaka and other major cities.

Parwar alleged that the government is using the energy crisis as a pretext to impose online learning on students, claiming the decision could have long-term negative consequences for the country’s education system.

He warned that many students, particularly from low-income families, may be excluded due to the high cost of internet access and lack of digital devices, widening the gap between urban and disadvantaged communities.

He also raised concerns about increased smartphone use, saying that online learning could lead to device addiction, distraction and moral risks among young students.

According to him, classroom-based education is essential for maintaining discipline, interaction and consistent study habits, all of which could be disrupted under an online system.

Parwar cited findings from the National Student Assessment 2022, noting that learning outcomes declined during the COVID-19 period when online education was widely implemented. The report showed that many primary-level students failed to achieve expected competencies in Bangla and mathematics.

He said students in poorer and remote regions, including areas such as Mymensingh, lagged significantly behind their peers in more developed regions.

Referring to surveys by organisations such as UNICEF, he added that prolonged online learning during the pandemic was linked to increased school dropouts and child labour.

Parwar also criticised recent developments in the education sector, including the rollout of a new curriculum in 2023, which he said lacked proper planning. He added that continued disruptions in educational institutions have slowed recovery from pandemic-related learning losses.

Questioning the policy decision, he said it was unclear why the education sector was being targeted while other sectors continue normal operations despite the same challenges.

He urged the government to immediately withdraw the decision and prioritise in-person education, warning that policymakers would bear responsibility for any long-term damage to students.