Integrated, long-term initiatives, not isolated projects, needed in primary education: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj

During the meeting, Plan International's CEO praised the State Minister's leadership and initiatives in improving the quality of primary education in Bangladesh. She said early childhood development, quality education, and prevention of child marriage are among Plan International's priorities. The organization wants to work in alignment with the government's development plans by utilizing its long-standing operations and international experience in Bangladesh. In particular, it is interested in taking integrated initiatives with the government to deliver the benefits of education and development to children and communities at the grassroots level.

State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said the main goal of primary education is not only to bring children to school but to ensure quality and effective learning for every child. He said the government places special emphasis on building foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students, as well as critical thinking, creativity, and the skills needed for future life. The government is working to make primary education timely and future-oriented.

The meeting also discussed preventing girls' dropout at the secondary level, ensuring a safe and child-friendly school environment, separate sanitation and hygienic facilities in schools, preventing child marriage, and empowering local communities and families to address the impacts of climate change. At that time, the State Minister also highlighted the initiative to incorporate students' innovative thinking and ideas for solving local problems into the policy-making level.

Plan International's CEO said the organization operates in 80 countries around the world. Using its long experience in Bangladesh, it is interested in working on a larger scale in education, child rights, girls' empowerment, and the development of marginalized communities. She also expressed interest in detailed discussions on potential areas for joint initiatives in line with the government's priorities, technical cooperation, and capacity to expand nationwide programs.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Plan International Bangladesh Country Director Kabita Bose, and Director Nishat Sultana were present at the meeting.