Tarun Kanti, Thakurgaon:
The newly launched school feeding program in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon district has attracted students and parents alike, as it has also begun to improve the nutritional status of the children.
It is also promoting school attendance and classroom attentiveness. The initiative also seeks to curb dropout rates and instill discipline, hygiene and cleanliness among students.
A total of 14,680 students from 138 schools are receiving nutritious food under the programme. The schools are located in eight unions of the upazila. Covering nearly 90 per cent of the total students in the area, the programme represents a significant intervention in addressing nutritional needs and supporting their education.
Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Thakurgaon, is implementing the initiative with funding from the Directorate of Primary Education under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Government of Bangladesh.
The programme provides students at government primary schools with bread, boiled eggs and bananas to bolster their nutritional intake.
A total of 59 school mothers have been selected to distribute boiled eggs and bananas under the initiative. The programme has also generated employment opportunities for the women, promoting their economic empowerment.
Atul Chandra Roy, Baliadangi Upazila Education Officer, said the programme have significantly enhanced student attendance and addressed children’s nutritional needs. Many pupils from economically disadvantaged families previously attended schools without breakfast. Consequently, they often struggled to maintain concentration in classes. School meals have now improved their ability to focus on academic activities including sports and cultural arenas, he added.
Roy said the authorities were conducting regular inspections of food procurement and distribution to ensure accountability and proper implementation of the project. He expressed gratitude to the government and the concerned implementing organization for their support in Baliadangi.
A recent visit to several schools has revealed visible changes since the programme’s launch. Students are demonstrating greater enthusiasm for attending classes. Teachers and parents have also welcomed the initiative, citing its positive impact on school attendance and the learning environment.
Mariam Begum, a fourth-grader at Rupganj Government Primary School, expressed delight over the meals. She with a smiling face said the provision of bread and eggs distribution to the students at the school has brought immense joy.
Another fourth-grader, Arafat Hossain, echoed similar sentiments. “The eggs and bread help stave off hunger. We no longer need to bring Tiffin from home. We thoroughly enjoy the meals.” he said.
Abul Kalam Azad, Headmaster of Rupganj Government Primary School, said, the initiative is helping to address pupils’ nutritional deficiencies. He noted a gradual increase in school attendance since the programme’s introduction.
According to him, the provision of nutritious food was encouraging children to attend classes more regularly. He added that, the initiative is positively contributing to students’ well-being and fostering a more conductive learning environment.
He further noted a substantial rise in average school attendance since the programme’s inception. Previously, attendance hovered between 65 and 70 per cent. It has now surged to 90-95 per cent. He also lauded the food quality and consistent supply, confirming that every pupil receives meals regularly.
Manjura Begum, a parent from Chhoto Singia village, said the programme has brought a noticeable change in children’s attitude towards education.
She said, children have become more enthusiastic about attending school, reflecting the programme’s positive impact on their interest in learning.
“Children now wake up eagerly and get ready for school. We are happy to see their changes. We hope the programme will be continued for the batter future of the students,” she added.
Another parent, Mahafuz Berum of the same village, praised the initiative for benefiting children who spend long hours at school. She thanks the government and ESDO requesting to ensure food quality and safety.
Md Nur Alam, Upazila Coordinator of ESDO’s school feeding programme, said the initiative began on December 28, 2025. Food is served daily from 11.00 am to 11.20 am. To ensure food quality and safety, a five-member monitoring committee has been formed. It includes three mothers, one farther and a head teacher. The committee oversees food safety and helps ensure that children receive safe and nutritious meals.