DB seizes 10,000 free textbooks

Members of the Detective Branch (DB) of police have seized 10,000 pieces of textbooks of primary and secondary levels meant for free distribution and arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in their sale.

The arrestees were identified as Sirajul Islam Ujjal (55) and Md Delwar Hossain (56).

Acting on a tipoff, a team of the DB police of Lalbagh and Kotwali circles conducted a raid on different warehouses at Ispahani Lane in Banglabazar of Sutrapur on Wednesday afternoon (January 22, 2025) and seized two truckloads of textbooks.

DB South Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam disclosed the development to the media at a press briefing on Thursday at the conference room of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) headquarters in the city.

He said that the arrestees were allegedly part of a gang hoarding free government textbooks to sell in the open market.

The seized books, worth approximately Tk0.8 million (8 lakh), included materials for primary and secondary students.

Mr Nasirul Islam further said that Ujjal had been previously arrested on similar charges a decade ago and had been purchasing textbooks for Tk10-12 each and reselling them for Tk80-85.

He added, "Investigation is underway, and we've identified other members of the gang."

He said that the DB was also investigating whether unauthorised extra textbooks were printed or if anyone from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) or related authorities was involved.

He said that the seized books would be handed over to the NCTB following court directives.

He also said that the arrestees confessed to their involvement saying that they did so for gaining financial benefits overnight.

He added that legal action would be taken against the duo.

The others who belong to the textbook sellers' gang would be arrested as police drive is going on, he continued.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com