Quality Declines in Govt Issued Textbooks

Karnaphuli Paper Mill (KPM) in Kaptai, once a profitable venture, has faced losses since FY09 due to outdated machinery, mismanagement, and corruption. Production has dropped to 2,000-6,000 tonnes annually, with Tk45 crore in yearly losses. A Tk36,000 crore revival plan aims to restore operations and establish six new plants, including a chemical facility and a synthetic polyester fiber unit.

BRAC Bank has partnered with North South University (NSU) to offer advanced cash management solutions, as per a press release. Under this partnership, BRAC Bank will implement a universal collection platform to streamline tuition fee collection for NSU. The system will provide real-time transaction updates, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and immediate reconciliation.

The Bangladeshi government is set to increase the education sector's budget in the 2025-26 fiscal year to improve educational quality and meet international standards. Planning and Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasized prioritizing educational tools, scientific equipment, and research materials. The government aims for a significant proportional increase in funding, beyond just infrastructure.

Japan will provide 500 million yen (approximately Tk 386.30 million) as a grant for Bangladesh's "Fourth Primary Education Development Programme" (PEDP-4). The agreement was signed by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori and JICA's Chief Representative ICHIGUCHI Tomohide representing Japan.

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) and Dhaka International University (DIU) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate various banking services, including tuition fee collection and other financial facilities.

Southeast Bank PLC recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tiny Tots and Summerfield International School to offer comprehensive banking solutions, including tuition fee collection, payroll services, and school banking. The agreement, signed on November 22 at the bank's Gulshan head office, will enable the English medium school to utilize the bank’s extensive channels for efficient fee collection.