An investigation has been launched in the Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj following a food safety incident at Chatra Government Primary School on Saturday, 25 April 2026. Five students were reported to have fallen ill immediately after consuming food provided through the National School Feeding Programme, while an additional 25 pupils experienced significant physical discomfort and abdominal distress.
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Incident Summary at Chatra Government Primary School
The event took place in the Chakkirti Union at approximately 11:30 am. According to school records, the students were served a mid-day meal consisting of bread and boiled eggs. Shortly after the meal, five students exhibited acute symptoms of illness. In addition to these cases, 25 other students reported feeling unwell, citing stomach pains and general malaise.
In the interest of student welfare, the school administration elected to grant an early dismissal, allowing the affected children to return to their homes. Meftahuddoula, the Headmaster of Chatra Government Primary School, confirmed the details of the incident and stated that, following a period of observation, all affected students are now in a stable condition and are continuing their recovery at home.
Local Government and Educational Response
The Shibganj Upazila Administration has intervened to address the potential health hazard. Food samples from the batch served—comprising both the eggs and the bread—have been seized by officials. These samples are being prepared for dispatch to a specialised laboratory for comprehensive chemical and microbiological testing to identify potential contaminants or spoilage.
Mazharul Islam, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) for Shibganj, has issued a formal directive to suspend all food distribution activities by the contracted provider. This suspension will remain in effect across the affected educational institutions until a conclusive laboratory report is presented. This measure is intended to safeguard the health of the broader student population in the region.
Complementing the administrative response, Musabbir Hossain Khan, the Shibganj Upazila Primary Education Officer, provided further clarification on the recovery efforts:
Education officials have undertaken home visits to verify the health status of the pupils and provide necessary guidance to their families.
The department has confirmed that no students remain in a critical state.
A formal “show cause” notice or demand for explanation has been issued to the implementing agency responsible for the meal delivery.
Oversight of ‘Gram Unnayan Karma’ (GUK)
The distribution of meals under the school feeding project in this jurisdiction is managed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK). This organisation currently holds the contract for providing nutritional support to 240 primary schools within Shibganj Upazila.
Notably, the incident on Saturday represents a recurring issue within the district. On Thursday of the same week, a comparable health scare occurred at Shankarbi-1 Government Primary School in Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila. In that instance, students also reported falling ill after consuming food supplied by GUK, suggesting a potential systemic failure in the agency’s supply chain or food preparation protocols.
National Policy and Future Implications
These health concerns arise at a time when the government is actively seeking to universalise the “Mid-Day Meal” scheme. Mahdi Amin has articulated a strategic national vision to provide consistent nutritional support to every primary school student in the country. The primary objectives of such initiatives are to bolster student attendance, reduce dropout rates, and combat child malnutrition.
However, the consecutive incidents in Chapainawabganj have prompted a rigorous review of the hygiene and quality control standards employed by third-party contractors. Until the laboratory results are finalised, the prohibition on meal distribution remains strictly enforced to ensure that no further students are placed at risk. Authorities have emphasised that the safety and well-being of the children remain the paramount priority in the execution of the National School Feeding Programme.