Dhaka: Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar has emphasized the critical role of enhancing primary education in addressing social inequality. He asserted that the nation’s progress hinges on the collective fulfillment of responsibilities by those involved in primary education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Bidhan shared these insights while addressing a seminar on ‘Project Activities and School Feeding Programme’ at PTI in Cox’s Bazar. The seminar highlighted the importance of primary education as a foundation for the development of children, which in turn contributes to national progress. Dr. Bidhan stressed that improving the conditions for children would lead to prosperity for all.
He also spoke about the school feeding programme, designed to ensure that children remain in school for extended periods while addressing malnutrition issues by providing meals at noon. The programme is a strategic intervention aimed at retaining students and improving their nutritional status.
Dr. Rama Saha, Secretary of the Ministry Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, Director General of Primary Education Abu Noor Md. Shamsuzzaman, and senior economist of the World Bank Syed Rashed Al Zayed Jose, were among the notable attendees. The seminar was chaired by Project Director Harun-or-Rashid.
The project targets approximately 211,000 students across 1,095 government primary schools, including 569 in Cox’s Bazar and 436 in Bandarban, providing them with biscuits, bananas, buns, eggs, and milk five days a week. Rohingya children in Cox’s Bazar and Bhashanchar will also benefit from these facilities. Additionally, 6,099 teachers from these schools will receive training to enhance their skills.
Earlier, Dr. Bidhan visited the construction site of the ‘Leadership Training Center’ in Cox’s Bazar and reviewed the practical activities of the ‘Skillfo’ project (pilot) at the Cox’s Bazar Polytechnic Institute.