Govt Move to Stop ‘Guide Books’: Book sellers to keep shops closed Feb 24

Bangladesh Publisher and Book-sellers' Association yesterday said they will keep their bookshops across the country closed on February 24, protesting the government initiative of stopping publication and circulation of "guide books".

The announcement was made at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), where the association demanded separate definitions of "guide books" and "exercise books". Some 11 other organisations expressed solidarity with the demand.

"We stopped publishing guide and note books since the commencement of the 'creative system' at school level. We have only been publishing books which are used for the exercise of teachers and students," said Arif Hossain Chhoton, president of the association, while reading out a written statement.

The leader of the organisation claimed that "note books" or "guide books" only have answers of National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB)'s questions, but "exercise books" have content with explanations, analysis, sample questions and answers, techniques of advanced writing and so on.

Choton said book stalls across the country will remain close on 24 February to press home their demand.

He said they will also form a human chain in front of all press clubs of the country.

Leaders of Bangladesh Gyan o Srijonshil Prokashak Samiti, Bangladesh Mudron Shilpa Samity, Bangladesh Web Printers Association and Bangladesh Bookbinding Owners Association were also present at the press conference, among others.