Student attendance and classroom attention have increased at government primary schools in Chapainawabganj following the introduction of a mid-day meal programme, according to teachers and education officials.

The programme has been running in Sadar, Shibganj, Gomastapur and Bholahat upazilas since 1 September last year, providing nutritious food to 90,683 students at 619 government primary schools.

Under the programme, students receive meals five days a week, including bread, bananas, eggs, milk and fortified biscuits. The initiative aims to improve children’s nutrition, increase attendance and reduce dropout rates.

Teachers said the meals have encouraged students to attend school more regularly and helped them concentrate better in class by reducing hunger and fatigue.

Marina Khatun, head teacher of Bishwanathpur Government Primary School No. 181 in Shibganj, said attendance had increased since the programme began.

“Attendance has increased since the students started receiving bread, bananas, eggs, milk and biscuits,” she said.

Students and parents also reported changes in attitudes towards school. Some students said they could focus better in class after having food during the school day, while parents said children who were previously reluctant to attend were now going to school more willingly.

Chapainawabganj District Primary Education Officer Md Saiful Islam said the programme was contributing to higher attendance and improved concentration.

“Even during adverse conditions, including the rainy season, we are seeing a growing tendency among children to attend school,” he said.

He added that attendance rates at various schools were showing a positive trend compared with previous years, while the inclusion of bread, bananas and eggs had increased students’ interest in attending school and helped meet their nutritional needs.

Education officials hope the programme will continue to improve attendance, classroom engagement and the overall well-being of primary school students in the district.