These books can be downloaded from the website of NCTB
On Wednesday, the first day of the year, the “Online Version of Textbooks” was inaugurated at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Education Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud unveiled the online editions along with the ceremonial release of newly printed books. Due to delays in distributing physical books beyond February, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) published the digital versions in advance on its website.
The event, chaired by the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Professor A.B.M. Rezaul Karim, featured prominent attendees including the Chief Advisor’s Special Assistant Professor Dr. M. Aminul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Siddiq Zobair, Secretary of the Finance Division Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division Dr. K.M. Kabirul Islam, and NCTB Chairman Professor Dr. A.K.M. Riazul Hasan.
At the event, Professor Dr. A.K.M. Riazul Hasan, the NCTB Chairman, criticized the recurring waste of funds in the name of the book festival over the years. He emphasized that 441 primary and secondary textbooks had been revised and would now be available online from the NCTB website. By January 5, all primary books and eight secondary books would be delivered to students. By January 10, textbooks for Grade 10 would reach schools, and by January 20, all textbooks for every grade would be in the hands of students. Of the 41 crore textbooks planned, six crore had already been distributed, with preparations underway to deliver an additional four crore.
Addressing the audience, Education Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud declared that free textbooks for students under the NCTB would no longer be printed abroad. He expressed regret for the delay in distributing physical books, citing the need for quality paper and printing. “It is regrettable that there has been a delay, but the students will receive books that are durable and of good quality. Unlike in previous years, the books will not deteriorate halfway through the academic year. While the delay is unfortunate, it is for a positive outcome.”
The Education Advisor also revealed changes within the NCTB, noting that several officials had been removed. He remarked, “Those who previously worked at the NCTB lacked the experience to negotiate with the printing industry association leaders, which led to my personal involvement. Like a mystery novel where the conspirator is revealed at the end, the culprits here could be anyone—government officials, the Ministry of Education, the NCTB, hoarders, or a syndicate. However, I am not accusing anyone at this stage. This experience will help us curb monopolistic practices in the future.”
According to NCTB data, for the 2025 academic year, 40.15 crore textbooks are being printed for 6.43 crore students. As of 5:30 PM on December 31, only 6.06 crore copies had been printed, and these had been sent to upazila education offices. However, NCTB officials could not guarantee that these printed books would reach schools by January 1. To address the situation, the government has provided PDF versions of the textbooks online to facilitate access for teachers and students.
