Govt plans to phase out guidebooks

 
Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday said the government is working towards an education system where dependence on note books and guidebooks will be gradually eliminated, urging teachers to encourage students to use supplementary reading materials instead of prescribed guides.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association at Bangla Academy, the minister said the current practice of recommending specific guidebooks must change.

"The prescription given by teachers that a particular note guide must be read cannot continue," he said.

He added that teachers should instead guide students towards a list of supporting books.      
"Teachers should provide a list of supplementary books, and students will buy them," he said.
Describing the publishing and printing sector as a respected industry, Milon said Bangladesh has a strong competitive advantage in producing books at low cost.

"No other country in the world can produce books at the cost we can. Books are sold fairly cheaply in our country," he said.

The minister urged publishers and printing stakeholders to work together for the development of future generations. "I request you to conduct the book business for the future generation," he said.

He also stressed the need to maintain quality standards in publishing, particularly in the use of paper for printing books.

Highlighting political contributions to education, Milon praised former prime minister Khaleda Zia for prioritising the sector. "No one else has shown the level of interest and budgetary commitment to education that Khaleda Zia did," he said.

Referring to current policy directions, he added that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman had also shown interest in education "like his parents".