By Najiur Rahman Sohel 

DHAKA, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) - Significant progress has been achieved in the printing and distribution of free textbooks for the 2026 academic year, with more than 90 percent of secondary and Ebtedayi-level books already been printed and nationwide supply surpassing 80 percent.

According to the latest statistical report titled “Textbook Printing and Supply for the Academic Year 2026” published by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), 90.12 percent of printing work for secondary (Classes VI–IX) and madrasa Ebtedayi-level textbooks has been completed. 

The overall distribution rate across the country has reached 80.45 percent, while more than 96 percent of Ebtedayi-level books have already been delivered.

NCTB Secretary Prof. Md. Shahtab Uddin told BSS that if electricity supply and transportation remain uninterrupted, the remaining printing work can be completed by January 15. 

He also urged the cooperation of all concerned to ensure timely delivery of textbooks to upazila education offices.

Out of a total of over 30 crore (30, 255 154) textbooks scheduled for the current academic year, over 21 crore (2143 24274) copies for Ebtedayi to Class IX have been allocated so far. 

NCTB officials said printing and binding are now at the final stage, and book delivery to education offices nationwide is progressing rapidly, with completion expected within the next week.

Level-wise data shows strong progress across grades. At the Ebtedayi level, 96.16 percent of books have been supplied, while printing and binding have crossed 98 percent. Class IX has seen 89.73 percent of books distributed, and Class VI has achieved an 86.33 percent supply rate with over 93 percent binding completed.

Meanwhile, 71.51 percent of textbooks have been supplied to Class VII and 57.89 percent to Class VIII. Printing work at these two levels is being prioritized, with completion rates of 86.98 percent and 76.29 percent respectively.

For the 2026 academic year, a total of 408 crore 24 lakh four thousand 460 printing forms were allocated for secondary-level textbooks. Overall printing and binding rates currently stand at 90.12 percent and 88.35 percent.

NCTB Public Relations Officer (Additional Duty) S. M. Asaduzzaman said the Ministry of Education, NCTB, and printing institutions are working in close coordination to ensure 100 percent textbook delivery by January 15. 

Special monitoring committees have been deployed in areas with lower supply rates, with the goal of achieving full distribution at the upazila level by the timeframe.