In over a century of existence, Dhaka University (DU) Press has published only 188 books, averaging fewer than two per year, due to bureaucratic delays, stringent approval processes, and persistent resource shortages.
Established to focus on research-based publications, the press has struggled to match the output of similar institutions.
Professor Tariq Manzoor, Acting Director of DU Press, confirmed on Monday that between 2021 and 2024, the press managed to publish only four new books and reprint seven older ones. Since its first publication in 1957—a work by Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah—it has released 118 English and 70 Bangla books. Despite its long history, these numbers remain significantly lower than those of comparable academic presses.
Professor Manzoor cited a rigid bureaucratic process as a key reason for the low output. Manuscripts must pass through multiple levels of review, including a high-level committee and external evaluators, resulting in long delays. He defended the press’s academic focus, stating that it is not designed to compete with commercial publishers but operates more like Bangla Academy, prioritizing research over fiction and general literature.
Beyond bureaucratic hurdles, the press also faces declining readership, outdated infrastructure, and severe resource shortages. Essential equipment such as photocopy machines is lacking, and staffing shortages further hinder operations. The honorarium for the director's role is also notably low, making it difficult to attract and retain strong leadership.
Efforts to modernize the press include proposals to digitize older publications and launch a dedicated website. However, implementing these plans remains a challenge due to a lack of manpower. An ambitious project to renovate an old bungalow near TSC into a multifunctional publishing center—with a bookstore, café, and literary discussion space—also remains stalled, awaiting approval from the university’s master plan.
Despite these setbacks, Professor Manzoor expressed optimism that increased academic research within the university could lead to a higher publishing output. However, while some steps may be taken to streamline the manuscript evaluation process, he made it clear that publishing guidelines would not be relaxed.
As DU Press continues to navigate these obstacles, questions remain about whether it can overcome bureaucratic and resource constraints to fulfill its mission or if it will continue to lag behind in an increasingly digital and fast-paced publishing landscape.