Low-Quality Paper Printing: Two Brothers’ Presses Swindle Tk 19 Crore

The government is set to distribute more than 30 crore free textbooks to primary and secondary students across the country for the 2026 academic year. The printing work for these textbooks is being carried out by over a hundred private presses (printing establishments). However, serious allegations of irregularities have been raised against several of them.

Sources say that Karnaphuli Art Press and Agrani Printing Press, two printing establishments owned by the same family, are again handling a significant portion of the textbook printing this year. These two presses are using around 8,500 tonnes of paper, of which approximately 5,500 tonnes have already been used to print textbooks.

According to information obtained from relevant sources, the two presses have used around 60 to 70 per cent low-quality recycled paper (about 3,850 tonnes). Market price for good-quality paper per tonne ranges between Tk 1.15 lakh and Tk 1.20 lakh. But the low-quality recycled paper being used by these presses costs only Tk 65,000 to Tk 70,000 per tonne, resulting in a difference of around Tk 50,000 per tonne. Through this, the two presses are allegedly siphoning off more than Tk 19 crore from the government.

Naturally, the matter has drawn strong objections from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). Sources close to the institutions say that due to the use of poor-quality recycled paper, the NCTB has recently suspended binding, cutting, and supply of about 50 lakh printed forms and books from these presses. Moreover, the board has directed the destruction of these substandard printed books and forms.

It is learnt that the government spends between Tk 1,500 crore and nearly Tk 2,000 crore annually on printing textbooks, with over a hundred private presses involved. The printing work is overseen by the Ministry of Education and NCTB, while the quality of paper is verified by a third-party agency named BD Control Agency. Inspection teams from these three entities have identified widespread irregularities in four presses.

The four presses under the ownership of the same family are: Karnaphuli Art Press and Agrani Printing Press located in Noakhali, and Anwar Printers and Publications and Kochua Press and Publications located in Keraniganj, Dhaka. Despite complaints, no strong action has been taken by senior officials of NCTB.

Sources say that NCTB is virtually held hostage by these four presses. As a result, many senior officials remain silent out of fear of transfer. During inspections, the owners of the accused presses reportedly offer large sums of money to the visiting officials. If they refuse, threats are also made. A tripartite syndicate is allegedly involved in this malpractice, comprising a section of dishonest NCTB officials, political leaders, and another group working in various offices. They are accused of preventing exposure of these irregularities. The press owners are said to be managing the situation by paying large amounts.

Allegations include the use of substandard paper, irregularities in the tender process, and other malpractices. Even after falling into the trap of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), these presses are once again accused of using low-quality recycled paper while securing the textbook printing contract.

To cover up the irregularities, there are allegations that the presses offer financial inducements, threats, and exert pressure through political leaders on inspection officials and NCTB officers. Despite reports being submitted after inspections, no action is being taken for unknown reasons. There are also allegations that NCTB and the ministry are colluding to threaten inspection officials with transfer.

The owners of the four presses belong to the same family. It is learnt that Agrani Press owner Kawsar-uz-Zaman Rubel and Karnaphuli Press owner Hasan-uz-Zaman Robin are real brothers. Former Education Minister Dipu Moni and Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel reportedly had close ties with this syndicate. Even after 5 August 2024, they continue to secure NCTB contracts.

When The Daily Campus sought comment from Agrani Press owner Kawsar-uz-Zaman Rubel over phone, he said: “I will talk to you later on this matter.” He then promised to send someone to the reporter and hung up. Despite repeated attempts, he did not provide any comment.

BD Control Agency Project Director (PD) Rafi Mohammad Biplob told The Daily Campus: “We have officially informed NCTB about the irregularities found in Karnaphuli and Agrani presses. NCTB will take action on the matter. Additionally, the 50 lakh forms printed with low-quality recycled paper found in Karnaphuli are being destroyed.”

NCTB Secretary Professor Md Sahtab Uddin told The Daily Campus: “I am not aware of the irregularities in the presses, but I will look into it. When told that BD Control Agency has informed NCTB about the irregularities in Karnaphuli and Agrani, he said: I am not aware of this either.”