Bangladesh’s academic calendar dictates that new textbooks are handed over to students on January 1, marking the start of the academic year.
However, this year, most students may not receive their textbooks on time due to a significant delay in the printing and distribution process.
According to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), out of approximately 40 crore books required for students from pre-primary to Class X, only 4 crore have been printed and bound as of December 25. This delay has sparked concerns that the books may not be fully distributed until March, further compounded by the long holidays of Ramadan and Eid starting in early March.
Delayed printing and distribution timeline
The NCTB planned to print 12 crore books for pre-primary and primary levels and 28 crore books for secondary levels (Classes VI-IX), along with 8,500 Braille books and over 4.1 million teacher guides. However, the printing backlog means it will take at least two more months to complete the process.
While the printing for primary Classes I to II is nearing completion and books are being sent to upazilas, the situation is more concerning for Classes IV,V, and VI-IX. Manuscripts for several secondary-level textbooks have not even reached the printers.
NCTB vs printing houses
The NCTB attributes the delays to a combination of factors, including re-tendering of contracts, late approvals, and alleged non-cooperation from printing house owners. NCTB Chairman Prof. Dr. AKM Riazul Hasan stated, “There will be some delay in completing the secondary books, but we aim to provide at least three books to students of all classes on the first day of the year.”
He accused printing house owners of creating artificial delays and a paper shortage, describing these actions as a “conspiracy” against the interim government.
In response, printing house owners have pointed to logistical challenges and contractual timelines. One anonymous member of the Bangladesh Printing Industry Association remarked, “The government is pressuring us to complete the printing earlier than agreed in the tender. We are working in the nation’s interest, but the deadlines are unrealistic.”
A political backdrop
Several leaders of the Mudran Shilpa Samiti, with ties to the Awami League, are reportedly involved in the textbook printing process. This has fueled speculation about political motivations behind the delays. A recent letter from the association’s Vice-Chairman, Junaydullah Al Mahfuz, indicated that printing all textbooks before March 25 is unrealistic.
Impact on students
The delays threaten to disrupt the academic calendar, leaving students without textbooks for months. If the distribution of books extends into April, students will have limited time to cover the curriculum, potentially affecting their academic performance.
‘A sensitive issue’
The issue has become highly sensitive, with printing house owners declining to comment publicly. They have cited government coercion and pressure as complicating the situation further.
As the crisis deepens, it remains uncertain whether students will receive their textbooks on time, raising concerns about the quality and continuity of education for millions across Bangladesh.