No textbook fest, NCTB opts for strategy to cover up delays
The government is struggling to provide free textbooks to all students on the first day of the year.
While primary students in class I to Class III will receive their books, printing of books for class IV adnd V has not even begun. For secondary levels, the situation is worse, with no immediate prospects of completing the printing. Officials at the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) are attributing the chaos to recent political changes, though the Ministry of Education has expressed dissatisfaction with their explanations.
Teachers and parents blame the NCTB for the crisis, pointing to inexperience and inefficiency among current officials. Critics within NCTB claim the leadership lacks the skills to manage such a massive task, leaving them vulnerable to pressure from the printing syndicates.
Despite these setbacks, NCTB insists it will deliver some books to all schools on January 1. However, this move is seen as a tactical effort to avoid widespread criticism rather than a solution to the underlying problem.
Only 6 crore of 40 crore books printed
According to NCTB data, 40 crore textbooks are needed for over 4.3 crore students from pre-primary to class X. However, as of December 29, only 6 core books have been printed, primarily for classes I, II, III, VI, VII, and X. Another 1 core books may be printed by December 31, bringing the total to just 7 crore.
Professor AKM Riazul Hasan, Chairman of NCTB, claims, "We aim to distribute two or three books per class on January 1." However, leaders of the Printing Industry Association dispute this figure, suggesting the number of completed books is even lower.
“Strategy” for partial distribution
NCTB plans to distribute limited quantities of books to ensure no school is left empty-handed, even if most students receive only a few books. Hafizur Rahman, NCTB’s distribution controller, explained, “We’ll send two or three books of grade six to one upazila, books for grade seven to another, and so on. This way, no upazila can claim they received no books.”
While this approach might reduce immediate criticism, it leaves many students without the materials needed to begin their studies.
Who will get books first?
Primary classes I–III: Most books have been printed and distributed, though some batches remain incomplete.
Primary classes IV–V: Printing has yet to begin, with delays expected until mid-January.
Secondary classes VI–X: Limited books for grades six, seven, and ten may be available. Classes VIII and IX are unlikely to receive any books before February.
Professor Dr. Riyad Chowdhury of NCTB attributed the delays to extensive revisions and re-tendering processes, saying, “Rewriting 655 books and adding new content like the July Uprising stories took significant time.”
PDF versions as a temporary solution
To mitigate the impact of delays, NCTB will upload PDF versions of all textbooks online by January 1. Students and teachers can access and download these resources, with the option to print select chapters if necessary.
Chairman Professor Riazul Hasan explained, “While delays are unavoidable, online access ensures students can begin their studies without disruption.”
Cancellation of the textbook festival
For the first time in 15 years, the annual Book Festival—launched by the Awami League government—is canceled. The interim government decided to forgo the event to cut costs. Instead, schools will distribute books directly to students without a formal ceremony.
Professor Hasan remarked, “This year’s focus is on efficient distribution rather than ceremonial events.”
Improved quality despite delays
Despite setbacks, NCTB has prioritized higher-quality materials this year. Paper weight has increased from 70 to 80 grams, with brightness improved from 80% to 85%.
“The government is committed to ensuring quality, even if it means slight delays,” Professor Hasan added.
Dr Md Sirajul Islam of Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research expressed concern over the delays, suggesting, “If books are significantly delayed, syllabi may need adjustments, and students should engage in extracurricular activities in the meantime.”
The situation underscores a pressing need for better planning and coordination to ensure timely textbook distribution and minimize disruptions to education.
