Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday said the government is moving ahead with plans to strengthen primary education through a series of student-focused initiatives, including the distribution of free school uniforms and the introduction of mid-day meals.
Speaking at a validation workshop on the Bangladesh Education Sector Analysis (ESA) 2026, organised by UNICEF in Dhaka, the minister announced that at least 4,50,000 primary school students are expected to receive free school uniforms by July.
He said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to make education more accessible and enjoyable for children while addressing longstanding challenges in the sector. According to the minister, authorities are working to resolve existing shortcomings in education and create an environment that encourages learning and personal development.
Ehsanul Hoque Milon also revealed that the government plans to gradually introduce mid-day meals for all primary school students across the country. He said the programme would contribute to improving student welfare and support regular school attendance.
Emphasising the importance of value-based education, the minister noted that several subjects have been incorporated into the primary curriculum to help students develop into responsible citizens from an early age. These include sports, cultural activities, moral education and religious values.
He further stressed the need to transform Bangladesh’s large population into a skilled workforce and said the country must take full advantage of its demographic dividend to ensure sustainable development.
The workshop was also attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Technical and Madrasa Education Division Secretary Md Daud Mia, and Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Executive Director Rasheda K Chowdhury, among others.
Representatives from UNICEF, development partners and various government and non-government education-related organisations also participated in the event, where discussions focused on the future direction of Bangladesh’s education sector and strategies for improving learning outcomes.
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