From July, primary school pupils across the country are set to receive school uniforms, jute-made school bags and shoes free of cost under a government programme aimed at supporting early education. The initiative, described as both humanitarian and practical, seeks cooperation from the private sector for its nationwide implementation. Leading business groups, including Bashundhara Group, have expressed their commitment to supporting the scheme.
The programme, announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will distribute free school uniforms, jute bags and shoes to students nationwide. Under the plan, Bashundhara Group will supply school bags and footwear for students, while the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) will also assist in implementation.
A decision regarding the programme was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held on Wednesday (29 April) in the conference room of the Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by the Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education, Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. Following the meeting, he confirmed that a pilot phase will begin in selected upazilas from July, with plans for gradual expansion across the country.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various ministries and organisations involved in education, textiles, and local administration. Their roles are summarised below:
| Organisation / Ministry | Role in Programme |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Education | Overall coordination |
| Ministry of Primary and Mass Education | Implementation in primary schools |
| Bashundhara Group | Supply of school bags and shoes |
| BGMEA | Provision of one lakh clothing sets and support |
| BKMEA | Implementation support |
| Ministry of Textiles and Jute | Coordination of jute bag supply |
| Local Government Division | Support at upazila level |
The Education Minister stated that within the next 180 days, the ministry plans to begin distribution of school bags and uniforms as part of its primary education programme. He noted that entrepreneurs have already come forward, and their participation was welcomed. He also encouraged further corporate social responsibility contributions towards education.
Regarding distribution numbers, the minister said the total allocation has not yet been finalised. However, BGMEA has already committed to providing one lakh sets of clothing and footwear for the pilot project. Other organisations are expected to confirm their contributions after internal discussions.
He added that the programme will initially focus on government primary schools and will later expand nationwide. Distribution will continue based on availability, with the aim of reaching students in every upazila. Inclusion of madrasa students at the ibtedayi level is planned for a later stage, while secondary schools will be considered in future phases after completion of the primary rollout.
The minister also confirmed that uniform colours have already been selected through coordination among stakeholders. Each student will initially receive one set of clothing, with the possibility of additional sets in future depending on available capacity. He further clarified that BGMEA will provide uniforms, while bags and shoes will be supplied through coordinated arrangements involving multiple ministries, including education, local government and textiles.
According to the Local Government Division, the government already provides free textbooks and midday meals in schools and therefore has the capacity to implement this additional support programme. However, the initiative is intended to be implemented in partnership with business organisations and other stakeholders to ensure broader participation.
It has also been decided that two primary schools in each upazila will initially receive support jointly from the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the Ministry of Education, and the Local Government Division. This pilot structure will be reviewed for possible expansion.
Local government representatives confirmed that uniformity will be maintained in the distribution of clothing, bags and shoes for both boys and girls, ensuring standardised provision across all selected schools.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) also expressed support for the initiative. The president stated that they would align with the commitments made by BGMEA and extend cooperation accordingly.
Bashundhara Group’s Vice-Chairman Safwan Sobhan confirmed the group’s participation in supplying school bags and shoes under the government programme. He further stated that the group plans to provide electric school buses in future as part of its extended support for educational initiatives.