All primary students received textbooks: advisor

Primary and Mass Education Advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar has said all primary school students have received their textbooks on the first day of the new academic year.

On Thursday, he said the quality of primary school textbooks has “improved this year” compared to the previous year.

“…it is a significant achievement of the interim government,” he said.

"The government has printed around 300 million books free of cost for the current academic year, covering both primary and secondary levels. The printing and distribution of primary-level books has been completed 100 percent.”

The advisor inspected the book distribution programme at Abul Bashar Govt Primary School in Agargaon, Dhaka on Thursday.

Addressing teachers at the programme, Bidhan said a guidebook had been prepared to help them teach more effectively.

“I have made a guidebook for you, teachers. Through pictures, we have explained in all languages what you can do to teach students,” he said.

“Children will learn through play and study with joy. They will recite poems, take part in debates, sing songs and develop in every way. These elements are included in the education curriculum, and with everyone’s cooperation, we hope to bring the changes we are aiming for in primary education.”

Later in the day, the advisor attended another book distribution programme at Nalonda High School at the cultural building of Chhayanaut.

Referring to the recent attack, he said: “A few days ago, an unfortunate incident took place here, which is shameful for the nation. Such incidents pose a threat to the development of democracy. However, it is hopeful that the well-intentioned people of this country have stood up against these acts.”

According to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), printing and distribution of 85.9 million copies of new books for pre-primary and primary students from classes one to five was completed on Dec 16.

Of the 214.3 million books for secondary and higher secondary students (including classes one to five of the madrasa stream), 156.1 million copies had reached the Upazila level by Wednesday night.

NCTB officials said they expect distribution of the remaining 58.1 million books to be completed by mid-January.