The government has decided to distribute jute-made school bags and uniforms among students in primary educational institutions across the country in phases.

The decision was taken at a meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Secretariat with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in chair, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

“Today a meeting was held between the Prime Minister and the officials of ministries — Primary and Mass Education, Textiles and Jute, and Local Government. The meeting decided to provide jute-made bags and uniforms to students in two primary schools in each upazila. It will begin as a pilot project,” he said.

Rumon said the initiative has been taken to protect the local jute industry and reduce environmental pollution.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin told reporters that the programme will start from July in two schools in each upazila.

He said the local administration will select the schools for the pilot project.

“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 level students will be brought under the programme,” Mahdi said.

He said the initiative has been taken under the Prime Minister’s directive to encourage the use of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products. “It will promote local industries as well as spread a message of equality and fairness among students, helping reduce social inequality.”

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the programme will be implemented jointly by the three ministries.

Textiles and Jute State Minister Shariful Alam said the main goal of the government is to restore the lost heritage of the jute industry.

“To reduce environmental pollution caused by polythene, this programme has been taken to provide students with eco-friendly products,” he added.