Despite the new academic year starting over two months ago, nearly 40 million textbooks remain to be distributed to students across Bangladesh. The majority of these books are for eighth and ninth-grade students, according to sources at the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB).
While the government had promised to deliver free textbooks by early January for primary students and by 15 January for secondary students, these deadlines have been missed, with the authorities now expecting to print the remaining books by mid-March and hand them out to students once the schools reopen in April after Eid vacation.
Printing and distribution delays have been exacerbated by challenges such as the cancellation of tenders following the 2024 July uprising that toppled the fascist Awami League government.
The NCTB had initially assured that textbooks would be delivered to students on time, with primary-level books expected by the beginning of January and secondary-level books by mid-January.
The new curriculum’s implementation, delayed by political changes and tender cancellations, meant that textbook printing was significantly behind schedule from the start of the academic year.
As a result, despite the government’s prioritisation, the completion of textbook distribution has not been achieved.
According to NCTB data, more than 40 crore textbooks are being printed for 4.34 crore students from pre-primary to grade ten for the current academic year. Of these, 9.19 crore books are for the primary level and 30.96 crore for the secondary level.
As of Monday, NCTB reports that 27.91 crore secondary-level textbooks have been printed, with 24.18 crore undergoing Post Delivery Inspection (PDI). This leaves over 3.73 crore textbooks still to be distributed. At the primary level, 9.12 crore have been printed, with 9.02 crore distributed.
The backlog primarily affects ninth-grade textbooks, which are being printed last as students will use them for two years. Additionally, around 2-3 crore books for subjects that are assessed through continuous evaluation, rather than exams, are still being printed.
Districts are experiencing significant shortfalls, with many students still awaiting books.
For example, the Jhenaidah district education office reported that only 21.26 lakh of the 30.33 lakh requested secondary-level books had been delivered by 1 March, leaving over 9 lakh books undelivered. The shortage is most severe for eighth and ninth-grade books.
Local teachers are voicing concerns about the delays.
Tarikul Islam, a teacher at Alhaj Mofijuddin Academy in Jhenaidah, said, “Three months have passed and students have still not received all their books. With Eid and Ramadan holidays starting soon, students will not have enough books to study during the break, increasing the educational gap.”
A teacher from Gobindganj, Gaibandha, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “The delay in books has caused students to lose interest in school. Many teachers are not keen on teaching using PDFs downloaded online, and classes are being spent idly. With mid-term exams scheduled for May or June and SSC exams shortly after Eid, students will struggle to catch up on the missed curriculum.”
NCTB’s Production Controller Prof Abu Naser Tuku, confirmed that 97.41% of the total books have been cleared for distribution, with only a few books for grades 4, 5, and pre-primary still to be printed.
“The work will be completed soon,” he said.
Hafizur Rahman, distribution controller, added that the remaining textbooks for the eighth and ninth grades, as well as for the Ebtedayi level, are being printed and will reach students shortly.
NCTB Chairman Prof Dr AKM Riajul Hasan assured, “The printing process is in its final stages. It will be completed within the next week, and we expect all books to be distributed to schools by the end of this month.”
However, while NCTB remains optimistic, printing press owners indicate that books may not reach students until after Eid. They report that 7,800 tonnes of paper have started arriving from China, which should accelerate the printing process. However, a shortage of binding workers, who were occupied with the Amar Ekushey Book Fair and other printing jobs, has slowed production. As these workers become available, the backlog should be cleared.
Tofayel Khan, former president of the Bangladesh Printing Industry Association, commented, “Even if the books are printed by March, students will not receive them until after Eid due to school closures and teacher holidays in rural areas.”
NCTB has also faced challenges sourcing paper, leading them to coordinate bulk orders from China. However, the paper has not yet arrived, leaving some presses unable to print books efficiently. This has further delayed the process.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
