Published: 12:53 AM, 01 September 2026
Education Materials Should Be Available at Affordable Prices
Education is one of the fundamental rights of every citizen, and educational materials are essential for making that right meaningful. Books, notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, geometry boxes and other stationery are not luxury items. They are basic necessities for students. However, the rising prices of these materials have become a serious concern for students and guardians across Bangladesh.
In recent years, the cost of education has increased considerably. The prices of notebooks, paper, pens and other stationery have risen because of higher production costs, transportation expenses, import costs and increases in the price of raw materials. Recently, reports from Sylhet showed that a pen previously sold wholesale for Tk 5 was being sold for Tk 7, while notebooks and geometry boxes had also become more expensive. Such increases may appear small for individual products, but the total expense becomes significant when several children need supplies at the same time.
The situation is particularly difficult for low-income and middle-class families. Many parents already struggle to meet the rising costs of food, housing, transportation, healthcare and school fees. When they have to purchase dozens of notebooks, pens, pencils, practical copies and other materials, education becomes an additional financial burden. Some parents are forced to compromise on the quality or quantity of materials their children use.
Poor students in rural and disadvantaged areas are likely to suffer the most. A student cannot properly complete assignments, practice mathematics or participate in classroom activities without adequate educational materials. If essential supplies become too expensive, some students may gradually lose interest in education or even drop out of school. The government should therefore take effective measures to keep educational materials within the purchasing power of ordinary families. Taxes and duties on essential educational supplies could be reduced where appropriate. The authorities should also monitor markets to prevent artificial price increases, hoarding and unreasonable profiteering. Local production of paper, notebooks, pens and other stationery should be encouraged to reduce dependence on imported raw materials and products.
Schools can also play a role by avoiding unnecessary requirements and encouraging students to use materials efficiently. Where possible, libraries, shared learning resources and community-based stationery support programs should be expanded. Special assistance could be provided to students from extremely poor families.
Education is an investment in the future of Bangladesh. A child's ability to learn should never depend on whether his or her parents can afford a notebook or a geometry box. Affordable educational materials will reduce the financial burden on families and help ensure that every student can study with dignity.
