A pilot initiative will be launched to distribute jute-made school bags and school uniforms among students of government primary schools across the country from July.
Under the programme, two upazilas will be covered each month, with two schools selected in each upazila in the initial phase. The distribution will begin with first-grade students and will later be gradually expanded to other grades.
The government has also planned to provide school uniforms, bags and shoes free of cost to around 2 lakh primary school students within the current fiscal year.
Preparatory work for implementing the initiative has already been completed. Following the upcoming budget session scheduled to begin on June 7, allocations for the education sector are expected to increase, after which the nationwide rollout of the programme will begin across all government primary schools.
According to official plans, education spending will be further increased in the 2026–27 fiscal year, with the sector set to receive priority alongside healthcare.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament that the government considers education the most important national investment and remains committed to building a quality, life-oriented and inclusive education system.
He further informed the House during the first session of the 13th National Parliament on April 22 that all ministries and divisions have prepared short, medium and long-term action plans covering the next 180 days, the 2026–27 fiscal year, and the next five years to implement commitments outlined in the election manifesto.
He said necessary steps are being taken to implement these programmes, including the ongoing initiative to distribute free school uniforms among 2 lakh primary school students within the current fiscal year.
Earlier on April 8, he had also told Parliament, in response to supplementary questions, that free school uniforms would be provided to 2 lakh primary students, with plans for gradual expansion across all upazilas.
Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin said on April 22 that the distribution of school uniforms and jute bags for primary students will begin in July under a joint initiative of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and the Ministry of Local Government.
He said the programme aims to promote locally produced goods under the “Made in Bangladesh” initiative while ensuring equity and fairness among students. Under the plan, the programme will begin in early July, covering two upazilas per month. In each upazila, two schools will be selected, and initially, first-grade students will receive the bags and uniforms, with gradual expansion to higher classes.
Mahdi Amin added that in the first month alone, at least 1 lakh students are expected to receive jute bags, while another 1 lakh students will receive school uniforms under the initiative.
