The government will launch a nationwide school feeding (mid-day meal) program across all government primary schools starting next year, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced on Thursday.

Speaking as the chief guest at a training workshop titled "Accountability, Effective School Leadership, Team Coordination, and Active Participation of Local Communities" at the Primary Teachers' Training Institute (PTI) in Dhaka, the state minister emphasized that the initiative serves both as a nutritional support system for children and a test of governance and transparency.

"This program is not merely intended to enhance children's nutrition and boost attendance; it is a vital benchmark for ensuring transparency and accountability. Strict oversight will be enforced at every stage to guarantee that every child receives food of proper quality and quantity, leaving no room for irregularities or corruption," Bobby Hajjaj said.

Underscoring that the objective of primary education extends beyond attendance, the state minister remarked that success must be measured by learning outcomes rather than infrastructure development.

"We do not just want children present in class; we want to ensure every child learns. From now on, primary education will not be evaluated by how many school buildings have been constructed, but by how many children have successfully attained learning competencies. Buildings do not build a generation—skilled teachers, effective classrooms, and an accountable education system do," he affirmed.

Highlighting upcoming curriculum enhancements, Bobby Hajjaj announced that two new textbooks titled "Culture of Bangladesh" and "Sports" will be introduced to the Class IV curriculum starting in 2027. The addition aims to familiarize students with national history, heritage, culture, and athletics, fostering their physical and mental development alongside national values.

Furthermore, the state minister revealed that integrated teacher and administrative policies are currently being drafted for primary school teachers and field-level officials. These frameworks will outline clear directives on promotions, transfers, pay scales, and service terms to strengthen human resource management.

Chaired by Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) of Dhaka Division Md. Azmul Haq, the workshop was attended by Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi, Director (Policy and Operations) Mir Abdul Awal Al Mehedi, Director (Training) Mahbuba Irene, and Deputy Director (Primary Education) for Dhaka Division Md. Abdul Aziz as special guests.