Dhaka: Printing and distribution of free new textbooks for the 2026 academic year are nearing completion, with significant progress achieved at both the Ebtedayee and secondary education levels.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), Mahbubul Hoque Patwary, stated today that the overall progress of textbook printing at the secondary level (Class VI-IX) and Ebtedayee level of Madrasas stands at 98.76 percent.
The average rate of textbook distribution at these two educational levels exceeds 95.47 percent. Patwary confirmed that 100 percent of the textbooks have been supplied at the Ebtedayee level. He elaborated that the printing and delivery of textbooks for the Ebtedayee level were completed by January 17, with approximately 98.62 percent of secondary level textbooks printed. The remaining books are expected to be printed and bound in the coming days, with efforts to expedite delivery to educational offices to ensure swift distribution to students.
According to the NCTB report, a total of 3,11,09,347 textbooks were printed and bound for the Ebtedayee level. This includes 54,34,755 books for Class I, 52,31,172 for Class II, 67,49,568 for Class III, 68,98,776 for Class IV, and 68,23,076 for Class V. At the secondary level, the report indicates that the overall printing progress through 102 presses is at 98.62 percent. The completion rates for individual classes are 99.48 percent for Class VI, 97.3 percent for Class VII, 97.15 percent for Class VIII, and 99.58 percent for Class IX.
Official data shows that 17,96,06,855 textbooks out of the planned 18,32,04,927 have been printed for the secondary level, with 98.04 percent of the binding work completed. Pre-delivery inspection (PDI) of these textbooks is also progressing, reaching 95.05 percent. While Ebtedayee level books are ready for distribution, PDI and delivery activities are still ongoing for secondary level books, with a total of 17,34,88,311 textbooks already supplied.
NCTB Secretary Professor Shahtab Uddin informed Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha that pending the stability of power supply and transportation, all remaining textbooks should be ready by January 22. He emphasized that printing and binding are nearly finished, with prioritization on delivering textbooks at the upazila level. Uddin acknowledged that re-tendering issues delayed the process and sought cooperation from all parties to ensure timely delivery of textbooks to students.