‘2 probe committees to be formed over errors in textbooks’

Staff Reporter :
The volley of criticisms from different quarters including opposition political parties about the errors and controversial issues printed in the recently distributed textbooks among the students have forced the government to form two committees.
Even Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni has ruefully said that the Textbook Formulation Committee did not pay heed to the ministry directives to erase some ‘controversial’ pictures and lessons from the textbooks before publishing and distribution.
“We directed the Textbook Formulation Committee to efface some pictures and lessons from the textbooks, but the committee has ignored the decision of the ministry,” she said in a press conference on the errors and corrections of the textbooks held in the International Mother Language Institute in the capital on Tuesday.
“Though directives were given, they were not followed and now such materials are still in the textbooks. Committee will look into the matter to identify whether such errors were committed wittingly or unwittingly,” Education Minister said.
She said that the Education Ministry would form two committees to investigate errors in the textbooks which drew much attention from educationists and political leaders.
The Minister also hinted that the committee would be formed with the representatives of Prime Minister’s Office and the Education Ministry.
“Stern action will be taken against the individuals if found responsible for such errors,” she warned.
About the complexity of rectifying all errors at a time, she said, “We have distributed the books on an experimental basis. We will seek opinions of all throughout the year. The textbooks will be amended following the recommendations.”
The Education Minister said that her ministry directed the concerned people and writers to be careful enough about any sort of discrimination in the name of caste, creed and color while formulating the books.
“We should have identified the errors much earlier. It should have been corrected. Though it has not been done earlier, steps have been taken to correct it,” she continued.
Regarding the public outcry on social media and the political landscape, she said, “The social media is very active nowadays. We have come across criticisms on social media, mass media and the political landscape.”
“We have earlier mentioned that the textbooks have been introduced following a new curriculum. We are getting opinions from different quarters. The books have created interests among people. We take it positively,” she said.
The seminar was also attended, among others, by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain, Deputy Minister for Education, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chairman of NCTB Prof Farhadul Islam.