DHAKA, Sept 24, 2024 (BSS) - Adviser to the interim government on the
Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today affirmed that
the government would ensure distribution of free textbooks among primary
students in due time.

"We've taken 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 in this year held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room
at Secretariat here today.

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 Taka 147.98 crore.

When asked about the standard of paper and printing of new textbooks,
Salehuddin said, "We won't comprise on the standard of such textbooks as
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 that the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has
been suggested to monitor the entire procedure even 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.