Published: 03:05 AM, 03 September 2026
Withdrawing Printed Books from Classrooms Poses an Alarming Sign
Jannatul Fardaus Mahia
The growing tendency to remove printed books from university classrooms in favour of digital materials may appear to be a symbol of modern education, but for Bangladesh’s private universities, it could become an alarming development if pursued without adequate preparation. While technology has transformed higher education and digital resources have become increasingly important, completely sidelining printed books risks creating new educational, economic and social challenges for students.
Private universities in Bangladesh have rapidly embraced digital learning. Online classrooms, learning management systems, electronic journals, digital libraries and recorded lectures are now common features of university education. Digital technology has undoubtedly made educational materials more accessible and allowed students to obtain information quickly. However, replacing printed books completely with electronic materials may create problems that deserve serious consideration.
Printed books continue to play an important role in deep learning. A student reading a physical textbook can underline important passages, write notes in the margins, compare chapters and return to difficult sections without worrying about battery life, internet connectivity or screen fatigue. These simple advantages are particularly relevant in Bangladesh, where students come from widely different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Although private university students are generally considered technologically connected, access to digital devices is not always equal. A laptop, tablet or high-quality smartphone is expensive for many families. Even when students own smartphones, studying a lengthy academic text on a small screen can be inconvenient. Internet costs and unstable connectivity can further complicate digital learning. Therefore, replacing printed books with electronic materials may unintentionally widen the educational gap between students.
There is also a question of concentration. Digital platforms provide enormous convenience, but the same devices used for studying also provide access to social media, entertainment and instant messaging. Students can easily become distracted while reading an online textbook. Printed books, by contrast, create a more focused academic environment. For many learners, sitting with a physical book still encourages slower and more thoughtful reading.
The issue is particularly significant for private universities because they serve a diverse student population. Institutions in Dhaka and other major cities may have better technological infrastructure, but students do not necessarily have identical learning conditions at home. A university may provide an excellent digital library, yet a student living in a household with limited internet access may struggle to use it effectively outside campus.
Printed books also have an important role in university libraries. A strong academic library should not be measured only by the number of digital resources it possesses. It should provide students with multiple avenues of access to knowledge. Maintaining printed collections of essential textbooks, reference books and academic materials remains important for students who prefer conventional reading or cannot depend entirely on digital devices.
The sensible solution, therefore, is not to choose between printed and digital books, but to develop a balanced system. Private universities should adopt a blended reading model in which essential textbooks remain available in printed form while e-books, journals and online materials complement them. Students should be allowed to choose the format that best suits their learning needs.
University authorities should also ensure that libraries maintain adequate numbers of printed copies of essential textbooks. At the same time, digital infrastructure must be strengthened so that students can access reliable academic resources at affordable costs. Teachers can also encourage students to use both formats depending on the nature of their courses and assignments.
Education is ultimately about access, understanding and intellectual development—not simply about adopting the newest technology. Digital transformation is inevitable, but modernization should not mean abandoning tools that continue to serve students effectively.
For Bangladesh’s private universities, the disappearance of printed books from classrooms should therefore be treated as a warning rather than celebrated as automatic progress. The future of higher education should be technologically advanced, but it should also remain inclusive, thoughtful and student-centered. A university that embraces the digital future while preserving the value of the printed book will be better prepared to educate the next generation.
Jannatul Fardaus Mahia is a freelance English language instructor.
