Tuesday | 18 March 2025 | Reg No- 06
Bangla
   
Bangla | Tuesday | 18 March 2025 | Epaper
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Artificial paper crisis poses a threat to our education

Published : Tuesday, 28 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 401
Nafew Sajed Joy
An artificial paper crisis is being created, leading to a profit of 3.45 billion BDT, according to a national newspaper. Even though the international market price of paper has not increased, domestic paper mill owners have repeatedly raised prices this year. During the textbook printing season, the price of paper has risen by at least 30,000 BDT per ton within a month. With the Amar Ekushey Book Fair approaching, this increase will also raise book prices, ultimately burdening readers.

For the 2025 academic year, over 40 crore (400 million) textbooks require 1.15 lakh tons of paper. If an additional 30,000 BDT is charged per ton, the profit from textbooks alone would be 3.45 billion BDT, excluding the profits from paper used for books published for the book fair. This affects the general public and readers indirectly. While globally, efforts are made to promote reading, rising book prices in our country may lead readers to view the book fair as mere entertainment rather than a literary event.

The interim government is already facing challenges in distributing textbooks to students. Moreover, the books that students do not receive for free must be purchased at higher prices. Families are already burdened by the rising cost of living, and on top of that, the prices of educational materials for students are currently soaring. At the beginning of the year, parents already incur significant expenses for enrolling their children in educational institutions. If they have to bear the additional cost of these expensive books, it will impose an extra burden on them.Despite January coming to an end, many schools have not received all their books. Even with higher prices, the 116 printing presses responsible for textbook production are struggling to secure enough paper. Due to this crisis, most presses, which usually operate 24/7 during this season, are being forced to stop production for much of the day.

Many blame syndicates for this artificial crisis, as seen in other sectors. Printing press owners believe that unless these syndicates are stopped and duty-free paper imports are allowed, textbook distribution will be further delayed, harming the future of students. These students are already struggling due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability.

The Ministry of Education is hopeful about completing book distribution by February, but press owners believe it may take until April due to the ongoing paper crisis. Although there has been criticism about textbook quality in previous years, this year's books have improved significantly. The paper thickness is 80 GSM, brightness is 85%, and the bursting factor is set at 16. However, only a few domestic companies can produce paper of this quality, and even they cannot supply it efficiently. Presses often have to rely on third-party suppliers, increasing costs and delays.

Experts suggest that NCTB should evaluate and ensure adequate domestic paper supply every year. If the supply is insufficient, arrangements for imports should be made in advance. A dedicated NCTB team could handle paper sourcing and supply it to presses, reducing costs through bulk sourcing.

Previous governments imposed a 59% duty on paper imports to protect local mills. However, some businesses exploit this to unjustifiably raise prices. As a result, printing presses cannot directly import paper due to high costs. Immediate action is needed to resolve these challenges and prevent further disruption to the education sector.

The ongoing paper crisis in Bangladesh highlights the pressing need for systemic reforms in the paper supply chain and textbook production process. The artificial price hikes, driven by syndicates and market manipulation, are not only inflating costs but also jeopardizing the education of millions of students. To prevent further disruption, the government must take immediate and decisive actions. This includes dismantling syndicates, reducing or removing import duties on paper, and ensuring a steady supply of quality paper through effective planning and monitoring. Establishing a dedicated NCTB team to oversee paper sourcing and supply can streamline the process, reduce costs, and prevent delays.

Education is the backbone of a nation, and any disruption in this sector has far-reaching consequences. The government, policymakers, and industry stakeholders must prioritize the availability and affordability of resources like paper to safeguard the future of the nation's students. Only through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions can we ensure that every student receives their textbooks on time, allowing them to continue their academic journey without unnecessary hurdles.

The writer is a Researcher


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