PM orders feasibility study of reinstating universal stipend for girls

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered a feasibility study of reinstating the universal stipend program for girl students from class VI to graduation. Emphasis has been placed on preparing a clear proposal by analyzing the potential cost, number of beneficiaries, implementation method and its social and educational impact if the program is launched.

The Prime Minister gave this instruction at a meeting held by the Prime Minister's Education Support Trust at the Cabinet Division meeting room of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (August 24) afternoon. The Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin informed this information. The meeting also discussed the ongoing activities of the trust, its goals and objectives, and its role in preventing dropout through financial assistance to students.

The meeting also reviewed the impact and achievements of the program before the launch of the universal stipend for girls. The positive impact of the stipend in increasing girls' school attendance, continuing their education and discouraging child marriage came under discussion. Besides, there was also discussion on providing stipends based on merit and ability to encourage boys to pursue education.

Meanwhile, the meeting also gave importance to the nutrition and health protection of students. Discussions were held on various aspects of ensuring the management of mid-day meal activities at the school level, nutritional quality of food and safe food supply. The Prime Minister emphasized on making the food provided to students nutritious, safe and of good quality. He also directed to launch pilot projects in two separate districts to verify the effectiveness of two alternative methods for implementing mid-day meals.