State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has expressed optimism that a school feeding program will be launched at primary schools nationwide from the start of the upcoming 2027 academic year. However, he said that if the results of the ongoing pilot program reveal any complications or flaws, the timeline could be pushed back somewhat, though it would still be implemented within 2027.
He made the remarks Sunday, August 30, morning, responding to reporters’ questions after inspecting various projects at a model school built by trainees at the Primary Teachers’ Training Institute (PTI) in Rangpur.
The state minister said the school feeding pilot program has so far received a positive response. Detailed findings and an evaluation of the program will be available at a workshop to be held in Dinajpur tomorrow, Monday. If the pilot is successful, the program will be launched nationwide simultaneously at the start of next year.
Asked about declining student numbers, Bobby Hajjaj said whether student numbers are rising or falling isn’t the main issue. Rather, he said, the government’s core goal is to ensure every child attends school and receives a proper, quality education.
He further said the government will maintain strict oversight over whether proper education is being delivered at every institutional facility. He warned that no compromise would be made on children’s education. After the inspection, the state minister took part in a six-hour workshop with PTI trainees.