The government is set to approve funding for the introduction of a "Mid-Day Meal" program in 150 upazilas across 62 districts in the upcoming Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting, according to Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
Dr Poddar made this announcement on Wednesday, during a discussion titled "State of Education and Future Perspectives", held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center.
The event was organized by Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), with support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Malala Fund.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Poddar emphasized the government's commitment to reducing educational inequality and ensuring quality education for all.
He expressed hope that the Ecnec meeting would approve funding for the program, which aims to provide mid-day meals to students in the selected upazilas. He also said that the initiative had already started in two districts under a different scheme.
Regarding the pressure of exams on students, he said: “While the government is considering reducing the academic burden, many parents and teachers advocate for maintaining or even increasing examination requirements.”
The discussion was presided over by Professor Rehman Sobhan, chairperson of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and moderated by Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of CAMPE. Special guest Rabiul Islam, additional secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division (College Wing), was also in attendance.
The keynote speech was delivered by Brac University Emeritus Professor and Convenor of the Primary and Non-Formal Education Consultation Committee Dr Manzoor Ahmed.
Distinguished panelists included CPD Honorary Fellow Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman and Jahangirnagar University Economics Professor Sharmin Nilormi.
Additionally, Dr Mostafizur Rahman, deputy director of CAMPE, presented insights on future educational strategies and the expectations of civil society.
