DHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Ministry today cancelled its 'Book Selection Committee' amid stiff social media criticism on buying books during the tenure of former director of National Book Centre Afsana Begum. "The Book Selection Committee formed on November 11, 2025 to select books for donation to private libraries in the fiscal year 2025-2026 was revoked," said an official release. Earlier, a mammoth debate grew on online platform as the list of books bought by the committee was spread. Mofidur Rahman said, "The book selection committee has been revoked and a new committee will be formed soon...We have also taken a decision to buy books being imbued with July spirits". The ministry will go ahead with purchasing books on July mass uprising, Philkhana and Shapla tragedy during this fiscal, he added.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 26, 2026 12:25 UTC