Dhaka, April 22 -- The government will provide free uniforms and schoolbags made of jute to primary-level students in every Upazila from July in a move aimed at supporting the jute industry and reducing environmental pollution, two officials said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced the decision at a meeting on the distribution of the schoolbags at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon told reporters.

The prime minister met officials from the ministries of primary and mass education, textiles and jute, and local government, and decided to launch the project on an experimental basis.

"This programme aims to protect the domestic jute industry and help the country reduce environment...