Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday affirmed that the government would ensure distribution of free textbooks among primary students in due time.
"We've made an important decision today. We've given clearance for printing, binding and supplying of textbooks for primary school students so that they can get such books in due time. We'll ensure that," he said.
The finance adviser said this while talking to the reporters this evening after chairing the fifth meeting of the Adviser Council Committee on Government Purchase this year held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Secretariat on Tuesday, reports BSS.
The Directorate of Primary Education under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education would procure textbooks including printing, binding and supply works for classes 1, 2 and 3 in 20 packages under 88 lots for the academic year 2025 with a cost of Tk 147.98 crore.
When asked about the standard of paper and printing of new textbooks, Salehuddin said, "We won't compromise on the standard of such textbooks as the highest possible standard will be pursued."
He said the meeting preferred using the paper of Karnaphuli Paper Mills since it is of good standard.
Besides, the adviser said the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has been suggested to monitor the entire procedure even though they have been suggested to monitor the process also at local level.
Replying to another question whether the new book distribution programme (Boi Utsav) will be held on January 1, 2025, Salehuddin said he was not sure whether the Boi Utsav would be held or not, but assured that the students would get such textbooks during that time.
