Dhaka, Sep 07 (V7N) – After a long gap of 16 years, the government has decided to reintroduce the primary scholarship examination, Primary and Mass Education Advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced on Sunday.

He revealed the decision at a press conference at the Secretariat ahead of International Literacy Day, also confirming that a mid-day meal program will be introduced in 150 primary-level educational institutions between September and October.

The advisor highlighted systemic challenges in the primary education sector, noting that schools currently operate for only 180 days a year. “Teachers remain occupied with many extracurricular activities, which negatively affects the overall education system. To address this, holidays in the education calendar will be reduced,” he said.

Citing the latest Bureau of Statistics data, Bidhan Ranjan said the literacy rate among the population aged seven and above stands at 77.9 percent, while 22.1 percent remain illiterate, mostly those who never enrolled or dropped out of school.

On the issue of teachers’ career advancement, the advisor acknowledged delays caused by legal complications. “About 32,000 teachers are waiting for promotion to head teacher positions, which will also create many new posts once resolved,” he added.

END/SMA/AJ