TIB for making NCTB an independent commission

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to turn National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) into an independent commission to ensure transparency in printing and publishing textbooks.

"It is urgent to turn NCTB into an independent commission to stop unfair practices.... The NCTB is not working independently although it is an autonomous body of the government due to political influences," TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman told a press conference here today.

The anti-corruption watchdog organized the press conference on "NCTB: Challenges for ensuring good governance in printing and publication of manuscripts" in its conference room.

Executive Director (ED) of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman, senior officials and researchers of the organization, among others, were present at the press conference.

Iftekharuzzaman said Bangladesh has achieved a good progress in the education sector as a result of sincere efforts of the government and non-government actors. But some unfair practices undermine this progress, he added.

He said, "If we want to build a knowledge-based society, NCTB must be transformed into a time-befitting organization by enacting necessary laws."

The NCTB started its journey as an autonomous body in 1983 under the Education Ministry, said TIB official Morsheda Akhtar while recommending some measure to improve the situation.

The recommendations included forming a committee with renowned experts and officials concerned, reducing influences of the education ministry, formulating rules for the NCTB and formulating specific policies on curriculum and manuscript.

She said NCTB must ensure transparency in all activities related to printing and publishing of textbooks.

TIB also suggested digitization and e-tendering and enhancing efficiency of NCTB officials.

Source: BSS