Dhaka, June 8 -- The government has announced a programme to distribute free eco-friendly school bags made of jute to primary school students across the country as part of its efforts to promote the use of natural fibres and reduce dependence on plastic products.

Under the pilot phase, around 100,000 students in all upazilas will receive the bags free of cost from July, officials said at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Monday.

The programme was announced jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

Speaking at the event, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Islam said the initiative would help raise awareness among children about environmental protection while en...