Serious allegations of irregularities and corruption have emerged in the printing of free textbooks for primary and secondary students across the country. According to various sources and stakeholders, an influential syndicate allegedly manipulated the tender process, resulting in the government incurring hundreds of crores in excess costs.
It is reported that the government allocated over BDT 2,762 crore to print more than 400 million textbooks for students from pre-primary to grade ten. However, bids were allegedly submitted at rates 20 to 25 percent higher than the estimated cost, leading to claims of over BDT 650 crore in additional expenditure.
Sources claim that confidential tender rates were leaked in advance, allowing a group of printing companies to coordinate among themselves and divide the work. This practice reportedly undermined fair competition and led to inflated costs. Allegations also suggest that some dishonest officials were involved and benefited from the process.
Analysts point out that the suspension of international tenders significantly reduced competition, as foreign firms were unable to participate. This, they argue, created an opportunity for local firms to dominate the market.
There are also allegations of manipulation in the paper supply market. According to insiders, certain business groups secured paper through advance contracts, stockpiled it, and created an artificial shortage to drive up prices. In particular, the art card paper used for textbook coversโentirely import-dependentโwas allegedly brought in through irregular means, avoiding taxes and VAT, resulting in potential revenue losses for the state.
Concerns have also been raised about the quality of the textbooks. Many parents and teachers have reportedly complained about substandard paper being used in some cases.
The issue has sparked debate in political and public circles, with growing calls for an impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible.
No official statement has yet been issued by the relevant authorities. However, experts warn that failure to ensure transparency in such a crucial sector could lead to further irregularities in the future.
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