Primary schools asked to keep books on Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has ordered that three specific books on Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman be kept in the libraries of all government primary schools in the country.

In a letter sent by the ministry to the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) on June 3, it has been asked to take necessary measures to keep at least one set of these books in each school library.

The three books mentioned in the directive are - 'President Zia: Political Biography', 'Begum Khaleda Zia: Life and Struggle' and 'Bangladesh First'. The first two books are written by Mahfuz Ullah, while the third is written by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Roshan Ara Poli confirmed the matter. However, without commenting on the reason for the decision, she advised to contact the Directorate of Primary Education.

DPE Director General Shahina Ferdousi said that letters have been sent to the field level as per the ministry's instructions. The ministry is responsible for policy-making, the department is only implementing it.

Meanwhile, Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director of the Mass Literacy Campaign, said that school libraries should have books on the lives and contributions of all important national leaders of the country, not just leaders of one political faction.

She said that it is necessary to present a balanced history to students so that they can evaluate it themselves.