The Advisory Committee on Public Procurement has rejected two Indian firms that were initially selected to print primary school textbooks for the 2025 academic year. The companies had been assigned 18 lots of textbooks.
The committee has instead approved the printing, binding, and supply of textbooks across 70 lots, all of which will be handled by domestic institutions. Originally, 88 lots were approved, including the two Indian firms.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement, held on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat and chaired by Finance and Trade Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.
He affirmed that the interim government would ensure the timely distribution of free textbooks to primary students.
"We have made an important decision today. We have given clearance for the printing, binding, and supply of textbooks for primary school students so they can receive them on time. We will ensure this," he said while speaking to reporters at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at the secretariat in the evening.
The Directorate of Primary Education, under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, will procure textbooks, including the printing, binding, and supply works, for classes one, two, and three in 20 packages under 88 lots for the 2025 academic year. The total cost of the procurement has been estimated at Tk 147.98 crore.
When asked about the quality of the paper and printing for the new textbooks, Salehuddin said, "We will not compromise on the quality of these textbooks; the highest possible standard will be pursued."
He also mentioned that the meeting preferred the use of paper from Karnaphuli Paper Mills due to its high quality. Additionally, the finance adviser said the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has been instructed to monitor the entire process closely, including local-level oversight.
In response to a question about whether the textbook distribution programme, known as Boi Utsav, will take place on January 1, 2025, Salehuddin said he was unsure if the event would occur on that date but assured that students would receive their textbooks in time.
