The government will distribute jute-made school bags and uniforms among primary school students across the country from July, starting a pilot project in selected upazilas.
Under the plan, two primary schools in each upazila will be brought under the first phase. Around one lakh students will receive free school bags and uniforms in the first month.
The decision came at a meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
He said officials from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and Ministry of Local Government attended the meeting. The meeting decided to begin the programme as a pilot project, distributing jute-made bags in two primary schools in each upazila. The initiative aims to protect the local jute industry and reduce environmental pollution.
After the meeting, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin told reporters that the programme will start in July in two schools per upazila. He said local administrations will select the schools for the pilot phase.
He said, “In the first month, around one lakh students will receive free school bags and uniforms. In the first phase, two schools in each upazila will be covered. Gradually, all primary school students will come under this programme.”
He added “The initiative has been taken under the Prime Minister’s directive to promote ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products. It will encourage local industries and promote equality among students, helping reduce social inequality.”
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam said “The programme will be implemented jointly by the three ministries.”
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said “The main objective is to revive the country’s lost jute industry heritage.”
He added that the initiative also aims to reduce environmental pollution caused by polythene by encouraging the use of eco-friendly products among students.
