Bangladesh’s National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) faces renewed uncertainty over timely distribution of secondary-level textbooks for the 2026 academic year. Despite initiating the tender process earlier than in previous years, delays caused by tender cancellations, re-approvals, and contract backlogs have slowed printing progress. While printing of grade six and nine books has begun, work for grades seven and eight has yet to start. Around 300 million textbooks are planned for printing this year, down from 400 million last year, with 180 million designated for secondary schools. NCTB officials claim 94% of primary-level books are printed and will be ready for distribution by January 1, but secondary-level printing may extend into December. Officials hope to finalize all contracts by November, though some press agreements remain pending, raising concerns that students may again face delays in receiving their books.