Banned Press Printing Textbooks: Allegations of Violating Regulations in Textbook Printing

Dhaka, January 12, 2025: Textbooks are being printed at a press that was banned for five years due to irregularities in accordance with the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) regulations. In addition, serious evidence of irregularities has been found against multiple printing presses accused of using substandard paper and ink and violating contracts.

Despite these issues, the interim government allocated an additional 550 crore taka this year for printing higher-quality textbooks, citing the previous government’s mismanagement and substandard textbooks as reasons.

A recent investigation in the Demra area of the capital revealed that, instead of printing textbooks, the press was engaged in commercial work. A raid was conducted at nearly all the printing presses in the area after analyzing video footage from January 8.

At one press, stacks of textbook covers were found. Initially, the staff denied this, but after showing the video footage, they admitted to the issue. The owner of Prama Press and Publications, Mohammad Mohsin, claimed that the binding machine supervisor had carried out the work at night without his knowledge and that the person had already been dismissed.

Meanwhile, evidence was found of substandard paper and ink being used to print textbooks at another establishment, Soma Printing Press. In 2022, this press was warned and made to sign an undertaking to follow the required standards, according to the NCTB. However, they have again violated the regulations.

The manager of Soma Printing Press, Mohammad Abdullah, stated, “We always try to deliver the best. However, I am not aware of the details regarding the use of substandard paper.”

Additionally, textbooks were found being printed at M/s Tangail Printers, a press that has been banned since 2023 for five years. This press was previously banned for printing notes and guidebooks.

Such irregularities in textbook printing by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board have raised questions about the transparency of the process and the quality of education being delivered to students. Relevant stakeholders have demanded an investigation into the matter.