Khulna: State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj emphasized today that providing mid-day meals to schoolchildren is not an act of charity or favour, but rather a fundamental right of every child. "The main objective of the school feeding programme is to improve children's health, ensure regular attendance, and enhance their learning capacity by providing nutritious food," he articulated during an orientation programme for head teachers and a discussion on improving the quality of primary education. This event was organized at a local hotel in Khulna under the "Feeding Programme in Government Primary Schools" project, as mentioned in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bobby Hajjaj stressed the government's responsibility to ensure nutrition and education for every child, warning against any irregularity, negligence, or supply of substandard food in implementing the programme. He highlighted the importance of participation from teachers, parents, and local communities to ensure transparency and accountability in the programme.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision, the state minister noted that the school feeding programme effectively contributes to achieving the two primary education goals set by the Prime Minister: "No child will remain out of school" and "Every child will be properly educated." He further elaborated on the government's increasing investment in primary education, which aims not only to develop infrastructure but also to ensure nutrition and build a skilled and educated generation.
Bobby Hajjaj also instructed authorities to reject and return any substandard, rotten, or unsuitable food immediately, emphasizing the need to inform the concerned Assistant Upazila Education Officer. He warned of strict actions following investigations if any irregularities are discovered in the supply system.
The "Mothers' Committee" is being more effectively involved in monitoring the programme to enhance oversight, he added. The meeting was chaired by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun and attended by other notable figures, including Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Md Matiar Rahman. Special guests, such as Feeding Programme Project Director Md Abul Amin and Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, were also present, along with head teachers from various government primary schools across the Khulna Division.