While the printing of text books for primary level students for the 2024 academic year is almost completed, the secondary level is experiencing delays.

According to sources with the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), around six crore textbooks for classes VIII and IX are yet to be printed, raising concerns about the timely availability of these essential learning materials to students as the new academic year approaches.

However, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) authority says that there is no cause for concern even if there is some delay. But they will be able to finish the work by 25 December and students will receive books at the beginning of the year.

According to the NCTB, more than 9.38 crore primary books and more than 21.32 crore secondary-level books are being printed this year.

The printing work of textbooks at the primary level has been almost completed and sent to the upazila level. But the work of printing secondary books is not finished.

However, the printing work of Class VIII and IX has fallen behind. Out of 21 crore books in secondary school, 13 crore books have reached the upazila level so far.

Another two crore books are ready to be sent at upazila levels. But about 6 crore books have not been printed yet.

Meanwhile, printing press owners said that they had to face problems with the books of Class VIII and IX. Just a few days ago, they started the printing work after receiving the print order.

“The manuscripts of all the books of class IX are not yet finalised. As a result, the work is delayed. Again, it took time to pay for secondary school book. So, the work of these two classes of books is delayed,” they added.

When asked, the owner of Bright Printing Press, MM Mohsin, said, “We started work earlier but as the work of NCTB was not completed, we fell back. We are working day and night to finish secondary school. We are trying to finish it within this month.”

The NCTB said due to extensive revision of the History and Social Science books of Class VI and Class VII, the work of the two books has been delayed. Among secondary schools, the work of Class VIII and Class IX is lagging behind the most.

Furthermore, the NCTB has yet to finalise the manuscripts for three books of Class VIII and three of Class IX. NCTB officials believe that this stands as the factor contributing to the delay in book printing completion.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, NCTB Chairman Prof Farhadul Islam said, “There is no reason to worry. The capacity of the printing presses is very high. I hope to complete the printing work by 25 December and the books will reach all schools by 7 January.”

Education Minister Dipu Moni said, “Considering that educational institutions are used as polling stations, we are trying to decide whether we will organise the book festival on 1 January or after the elections, probably on 10 to 11 January.”

Controversy in book quality

Sources said the NCTB has already reduced the brightness of books by 5%. Due to an insufficient supply of paper in the country, the brightness has been reduced. However, several organisations are printing books with low-quality paper using that opportunity.

Among these institutions, Times Media, Rabbi Press, and Letter & Color tried to provide low-quality paper books. However, the NCTB monitoring team cancelled it. They said secondary-level books are being printed on white paper.

Prof Farhadul Islam said that if brightness is not reduced, more than five paper mills in Bangladesh will not be able to produce paper. 16 factories can supply paper if the brightness is reduced by 5%.

“There is currently no shortage of paper in the market. The NCTB made the decision in response to the lessons learned last year. Punitive action will be taken against presses delivering low-quality books,” he added.