Photo : Messenger
There is a growing concern regarding the National Curriculum and Textbook Board's (NCTB) ability to timely distribute new books among the school students as approximately 15 crore copies still await printing out of a total of 31 crore new books.
While the printing of books for all primary level classes is nearing completion, the NCTB is currently grappling with challenges in printing books for classes VI, VII, VIII, and IX within the stipulated timeframe, sources concerned have confirmed.
The manuscripts for the two books designated for class VI and VII are still pending printing, and the printing process for the class VIII book has recently commenced. Unfortunately, the manuscript for any book pertaining to class IX has yet to be dispatched to the printing press.
The NCTB has indicated that there is a discrepancy in the allocated funds for the book printing contract, which has led to challenges in meeting financial obligations to printing press owners. Consequently, the printing authorities are unable to procure the necessary paper for the printing process.
As a result of these financial constraints, the printing of class IX books has come to a halt, and several other books across different categories are also experiencing suspension due to the same fiscal limitations.
The owner and staff of the printing press have highlighted a significant concern regarding the contractual terms set by the NCTB. The agreed-upon contract stipulated a 50-day time limit for the printing of books, according to established rules. However, with only 27 days remaining in the current year, it appears nearly impossible for any printing house to complete the extensive volume of book printing within this constrained timeframe.
The NCTB's inability to fulfill its financial obligations, including the delayed payment of tenders, work contracts, and bills, has left the entire process of book printing in a state of uncertainty and limbo. This financial predicament is not only affecting the printing press owners but also jeopardising the timely provision of essential educational materials to students.
The leaders of the printing industry association are pointing fingers at the chairman and officials of the NCTB, attributing the current uncertainty in timely book printing to their alleged incompetence. They assert that irregularities and corruption have surged within the textbook board. According to their complaints, the board chairman and other officials are engaging in activities that violate the rules of the tender schedule. Accusations include showing favoritism in book printing contract and company selection based on personal preferences.
To mask their perceived irregularities and incompetence, the NCTB leadership is now resorting to explanations such as non-exemption and paper shortages.
According to NCTB sources, the number of students in 2024 academic year is estimated to be 3,81,27,630. A total of 30,70,83,517 books are being printed for them. A total of 5,38,03,423 copies of books are being printed for class I, class IV, and class V students. The number of class II and class III books is 3,36,01,274. Besides, 61,93,878 copies of books will be printed for pre-primary students.
A total of 6,45,48,308 copies of books for class VI, 4,45,57,000 copies for class VII, 5,34,84,271 copies for class VIII and 5,06,84,573 copies for class IX are being printed. Besides, a total of 2,05,031 copies of books are being printed for children belonging to minority groups (written in five languages). And 5,752 copies of ‘Braille’ books will be printed.
According to the Bangladesh Printing Association, about 15 crore copies of books are yet to be printed. Out of this, about 9 crore are left for class VIII and class IX. It will not be possible to complete the printing of so many books in December.
Shahid Serniabat, President of Bangladesh Printing Industry Association told The Daily Messenger, “I am clearly saying that NCTB will not be able to give 100 percent books to all the students on January 1. We, who run the printing press, are working. NCTB can’t give wrong information that they will deliver books on time. They didn’t work that way. Such a crisis has arisen due to corruption and irregularity of them. The board chairman’s incompetence, inefficiency and corruption are responsible for this.”
In this regard, Mohammad Zahurul Islam, General Secretary of Bangladesh Printing Industry Association, told The Daily Messenger that the class IX book contract has encountered issues due to improper execution. Locating the manuscript is a prolonged process, and the work on the class VIII book has only recently commenced. As a consequence of these delays and challenges, it appears unlikely that all books will be accessible by January 1. The provision of the essential minimum class IX books to all students seems particularly uncertain at this point.
He also said, “According to the information, 15 crore books are yet to be printed. Apart from class VIII-IX, 4-5 books of different classes are left to be printed. NCTB has also taken more time to prepare the manuscript as it is a new syllabus book. In this case, the printing press has no responsibility. Clearly the NCTB has messed up.”
However, NCTB Chairman Prof Md Farhadul Islam has claimed that the tender schedule and work contract have been done according to the rules. He told The Daily Messenger, “We have taken all efforts to print the books on time. There was a problem with class VIII-IX books. Work on class VIII is going on.”
“The printing of Class IX books is currently underway, but financial constraints have emerged as a significant obstacle. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is facing challenges in making payments, leading printing press owners to cease book printing operations due to outstanding bills. The press owners have expressed their inability to purchase paper, further contributing to the halt in book production.”
The NCTB Chairman has communicated the financial difficulties and the ongoing efforts to secure the necessary funds. He has informed the education secretary about the situation and assured that once the allocation of money is received, the printing work will resume. The chairman remains hopeful that, with the required financial support, all the books will be printed in due time.
Messenger/Disha
