Bangladesh interim govt faces flak for dissolution of textbook review panel

Dhaka: Dissolution of a committee to look into the revision and improvement of textbooks - within a fortnight of its formation by the interim govt in Bangladesh - has evoked criticism, with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) describing it a "worrisome precedent of compromise" with radicals by the govt.

While the 10-member committee was formed on Sept 15 to "properly complete and coordinate the activities of revising and improving all textbooks developed and printed by National Curriculum and Textbook Board," its dissolution was announced Saturday.

The Bangladesh branch of the Berlin-based Transparency International, a civil society group dedicated to fighting corruption, expressed concern that the decision contradicts the vision of a non-discriminatory ' New Bangladesh ' and its non-communal spirit.

In a statement, TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said, "In response to the multi-dimensional and unprecedented human rights violations by the authoritarian govt, and the sacrifice of thousands of martyrs, students have paved the way for the creation of a 'New Bangladesh' - a nation committed to the peaceful coexistence and equal rights of all." He said this 'New Bangladesh' will be non-discriminatory, non-sectarian, transparent, accountable, and well-governed, where no religious or ideological doctrine will be imposed on anyone. "However, we are alarmed by efforts to spread malice, hatred, and hostility against non-communal spirit and pluralism, which are gaining momentum," he said, adding interim govt is compromising by succumbing to propaganda and threats posed by self-interested factions.