No textbook festival will be held in 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the new books will be delivered to the students, said Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni.
The Education Minister said, “Books would be distributed in phases by the school. Around 95 percent of the books will reach schools by December 31. The rest will be delivered within the first week of January.”
She made the remarks while visiting Matuail Press on Thursday to monitor the progress of printing of new textbooks.
After inspecting the press, the minister said, “We have visited the press. The progress and standard seem to be alright. In addition, press visits are made every week from NCTB. Printing work is underway to print secondary books in 158 presses and primary books in 42 presses. We are trying to keep the standard right. Action will be taken against the people concerned if the standard of content and quality of printing are not up to the mark.”
Regarding the controversial issues and errors in the textbooks, the Education Minister said that the previous jeopardy has been solved.
“This does not mean that there will be no mistake this time. We are more careful this time. If any mistake is found we will rectify them again,” she further said.
The minister also said, “Although the new academic year is going to start from January, the classes will be held partially in the educational institutions as before and this system will be continued until next March.
She said “The Omicron situation would be monitored till next March. If it is under control, regular classes will be held after March. Until then, students will attend classes in phases maintaining health and safety rules.”
She said that piloting of new curriculum for classes 1 to 6 would start from next year.
“Although it was decided to start this programme in 100 schools of the country, later it has been reduced to 60 schools. New curriculum will be taught in these selected institutions. It is not possible to teach a new curriculum until all students have been admitted. For this reason, their academic year will start from next February,” she added.
She also said that the economic, social and geographical issues of Bangladesh have been included in the new curriculum.
