Government Acts Swiftly After School Feeding Program Sickness Outbreak

Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Daily Star reports on the government's swift and decisive response to a disturbing incident involving the school feeding program. Several primary students in Chapainawabganj and Madaripur reportedly fell ill after consuming food provided under the initiative, prompting immediate government intervention.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has drawn attention to media reports detailing 'irregularities in school feeding project: Children falling sick after eating substandard rotten food.' This highlights a serious breach of the program's core objective: to encourage student attendance and provide nutritious meals.

In response, authorities have initiated multiple actions. A five-member probe committee has been formed in Madaripur, while the project director has issued a show-cause notice to food suppliers, with the possibility of contract cancellation. In Chapainawabganj, the Education Minister has instructed the deputy commissioner to form a committee including the civil surgeon. An investigation has already been completed, and a show-cause notice is forthcoming for the supplier in that district. The government has affirmed that legal action will be pursued under the Food Safety Act against those found responsible, signaling a firm stance against negligence and food safety violations.