Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - Students of educational institutions in Barishal welcomed the New Year with excitement as they received new textbooks on the first day of the year.

Although no formal book festival was organized due to the three-day national mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, school authorities distributed textbooks directly to students in their classrooms on Thursday. The students expressed happiness and enthusiasm upon receiving their new books.

According to Barishal Primary Education Department official Mostafa Kamal, the total demand for textbooks at the pre-primary level in 1,588 schools across Barishal district stands at 167,208 this year. Of these, 164,600 books have already been received, and the remaining 2,608 are expected to arrive shortly.

At the secondary level, the total demand for textbooks in Barishal division is 6,961,930. So far, 4,710,503 books have been received, of which 4,632,726 will be distributed among students.

District Primary Education Officer Jahangir Hossain said that the total demand for textbooks for technical trade, Dakhil, vocational and other levels is 13,870,646. Against this demand, 11,801,477 books have been received so far, accounting for 73.23 percent of the total requirement.

Barishal Zila School Headmaster Muhammad Nurul Islam told BSS that despite the absence of a book festival, textbooks were handed over to all students in their respective classrooms to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

Students said receiving new textbooks at the beginning of the year has inspired them and strengthened their hope for better academic performance in the days ahead.