During the tenure of the fallen Awami government, Bangladesh’s creative publishing sector reportedly faced severe corruption and mismanagement. Numerous projects, including Mujib birth centenary and Bangabandhu-Muktijuddho corners, were created across ministries and institutions, allegedly leading to large-scale embezzlement of public funds. Publishers close to the ruling party were accused of receiving work orders for low-quality books glorifying the Mujib family and distorting history, while dissenting publishers were systematically excluded. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs secretary acknowledged that significant government funds were spent on such books, though they are no longer displayed or sold.

Publishers’ associations and industry leaders claimed that a politically connected syndicate dominated government book procurement, exploiting programs like the Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) and other ministry projects to secure contracts worth hundreds of crores of taka. They demanded investigations and support for affected publishers. Several named publishers denied wrongdoing, asserting that all purchases followed official procedures. The controversy has left the creative publishing industry weakened and calls for reform and accountability continue.