Wahiduddin uncertain over textbook distribution

Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud expressed uncertainty about when all students would receive their textbooks for the current academic year. 

He made the remarks on Tuesday (January 7) following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Addressing reporters' questions, Wahiduddin Mahmud acknowledged delays in textbook distribution, citing multiple factors:

"In the past, books were not fully distributed before March. This year, we started the printing process late due to revisions in the syllabus and curriculum. Additionally, the number of books has increased significantly. Unlike previous years, no books are being printed abroad, as we are relying solely on domestic capacity. This has naturally caused delays."

The adviser noted logistical challenges, particularly a shortage of art paper, which is essential for book production: "Even after recovering all available art paper stock from warehouses, we discovered a temporary shortage. Ships carrying art paper have already departed from abroad, but it will take time for supplies to arrive and production to resume."

When asked for a specific timeline on when all students would receive their textbooks, the adviser admitted: "I don’t know when everyone will get all the books."