Govt mulls 2-day weekly holiday in schools to save electricity

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Friday said the government is considering extending the weekends for educational institutions to save electricity.

Referring to the ongoing economic crisis of the country, the minister said “We are considering whether the weekends can be extended for two days at the educational institutions to save electricity.

“As per the new curriculum that is to come into effect from 2023, the educational institutions will have a two-day weekend. So, we are considering whether to implement it from this year or not,” she said.

“However, there is no decision at this moment but we are thinking about it and whatever the decision will be informed media soon,” she added.

Dipu Moni came up with the remarks while addressing at national conference arranged by Bangladesh Polytechnic Teachers Association at Dhaka Polytechnic Institute marking the National Mourning Day.

She said research results show that there has been no academic loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. They (students) have developed self-learning skills during the pandemic.

“Everyone is talking about drop outs but we saw no incidents of drop outs,” said Dipu Moni, also joint secretary general of Awami League.

Dipu Moni said, “The right decision is not always popular for all. The government has taken bold decisions on power and energy on time. If we do not practice austerity today, we will be in danger in the future.”

Speaking on the importance of technical education, the minister said: “No one has remained unemployed after receiving technical education.”