State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said Bangladesh will soon launch a pilot to deliver cooked meals to primary schoolchildren with mothers involved in preparation and distribution. Speaking on Wednesday at an orientation and discussion meeting in Chapainawabganj, he said the initiative will examine models based on experiences in Sri Lanka and India’s Tamil Nadu. Ingredients including vegetables, eggs and fish could be sourced from local markets, with mothers taking responsibility for cooking and delivery.

Hajjaj said the government’s central objective is to ensure every child receives safe, quality and nutritious food on time. He said effective oversight by Mothers Committees has significantly reduced irregularities and complaints in the mid-day meal project. Mothers’ direct involvement has improved transparency and accountability in food quality, supply and distribution, he added.

He instructed Mothers Committees at every school to take a more active role and immediately reject food with problems in quality, smell, taste or supply, while informing the relevant authorities. The minister also outlined planned reforms involving teacher training, promotions, transfers, staffing, infrastructure, monitoring, curriculum and technology in primary education.