Printing complications with secondary school books: Concerns about getting books on time

Staff Correspondent

Although the printing of primary level textbooks has started this month, complications have not yet been resolved at the secondary level. Although the tender for textbooks for classes 6, 7 and 8 has been completed, the evaluation of the tender for books for classes 8 and 9 has not yet been completed. As a result, there is uncertainty about the provision of textbooks to secondary level students on time.

Those concerned say that since primary books are relatively simple and have fewer pages, it will be possible to deliver them on time. But since the printing of secondary level books has not yet begun, it may be difficult to reach the books of all classes on the first day of January. Although many believe that it is possible to deliver books of sixth, seventh and eighth classes a little earlier, it also depends on the sincerity of the printing owners and the supervision of NCTB.

The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is optimistic that it will be possible to deliver books to students of all classes on time.

NCTB Chairman Professor Rabiul Kabir Chowdhury said, “We are trying our best to ensure that books reach the students at the beginning of the year. It is possible if the printing owners are sincere.”

NCTB Production Controller Abu Naser Tuku said that although the tender process for books for classes 6 to 8 has been completed, the tender evaluation for classes 9 and 10 is still ongoing. He said that they are trying their best to complete the printing work by December.

Meanwhile, NCTB Distribution Controller Mohammad Matiur Rahman Khan Pathan said there will be no problem in printing and supplying primary books.

He said that the contract and NOA (Notice of Award) process from pre-primary to fifth grade is almost complete.

However, those involved in the printing industry believe that a similar situation could arise this year, as textbook printing work has been shelved and controversy has arisen due to poor quality printing.

Tofail Khan, former president of the Bangladesh Printing Industry Association (BMSS), said, “If printing work is not accumulated, it is possible to deliver on time. However, if work is stored at the last minute, there will be problems. I have seen in the past that supervision is not possible due to haste. Then many organizations try to make more profit by printing low-quality products. This creates opportunities for corruption and irregularities.”

It is worth noting that last year too, there were allegations of delayed delivery of textbooks and poor quality printing. Corruption and irresponsibility in the printing of books were evident. Based on these experiences, students, guardians and education stakeholders fear similar delays and irregularities this year as well.