Catholic educators in Bangladesh warn that government plans for online learning during the energy crisis risk widening education gaps.
Newsroom (09/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Catholic educators and parents in Bangladesh are voicing strong opposition to a government proposal to shift partly to online classes amid the nation’s deepening energy crisis, warning that such a move could harm students’ learning, values, and health.
Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, of Dhaka urged the government to reconsider the plan, saying the Church’s extensive network of schools prioritizes not just academics but moral and character development—areas that online education, he argued, cannot adequately serve.
“We Christians in Bangladesh run many educational institutions,” Archbishop D’Cruze said while exchanging Easter greetings with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. “Along with academic subjects, we focus on morals, values, and good character. When we hear about online classes, we become worried about where this system will take our students.”
The archbishop’s remarks come as the government explores ways to reduce electricity consumption. Officials say partial online learning could ease strain on the national grid, but Catholic leaders warn that previous experiences—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—demonstrated severe limitations of online learning.
Students and Parents Express Frustration
For many students, the return to digital classrooms brings back memories of isolation and frustration.
“I have difficulty understanding lessons when classes are online,” said Sonnet Gomes, a student at a missionary school in Dhaka. “I want to go to school and take classes physically.”
Gomes recalled that during the pandemic, online learning not only hurt her studies but also caused stress and fatigue. “When we had online classes during corona, it was not good for us. Now there is no health risk. If needed, we can reduce class hours instead of moving everything online,” she added.
Parents also remain wary. Priyanka Gomes, a Catholic mother from Dhaka, said the digital format amplifies distractions and increases family expenses. “During corona, I was forced to buy my son a smartphone,” she said. “With online classes, children stay on their phones all day. They play games, use social media, and become addicted.”
Teachers Warn of Low Attendance and Poor Engagement
Catholic teachers, too, say remote learning cannot match traditional instruction.
Cornelius D’Cruze, vice principal of Heed International School in Dhaka, admitted that teachers would follow any official directive but doubted its effectiveness. “If the government orders online classes, we will obey,” he said. “But honestly, online classes are not effective. Many students skip classes. Parents go to work, and children spend most of the time on their phones.”
According to the Catholic Directory of Bangladesh, the Church operates one university, 17 colleges, 60 high schools, and about 300 primary and technical schools across the country. Institutions like Notre Dame College, Holy Cross College, St. Gregory’s High School, and St. Joseph Higher Secondary School are recognized as cornerstones of academic excellence.
Government Weighs Hybrid Alternatives
Officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education maintain that limited online instruction may be inevitable. They recently held a seminar at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka to discuss methods to sustain education while minimizing energy consumption.
Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon, joined by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, acknowledged public concerns but hinted at moving forward with pilot programs.
“Various crises in world history have opened new possibilities,” Milon said. “Education must continue in new ways. We should not see everything as a threat. We can also see opportunities.”
The ministry is reportedly studying a hybrid model—blending online and physical classes—in selected schools and colleges, including Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and Ideal School and College in Motijheel.
However, Catholic leaders emphasize that education must not be compromised by technical or economic pressures. “If education loses its moral and social foundation,” Archbishop D’Cruze warned, “the cost will be borne by an entire generation.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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