The newspapers have been hit hardest by soaring price of newsprint. They are suffering starvation of revenue as private sector advertisements are not forthcoming as it should divertissement because of corruption economy.
Not to speak of the government newspapers are no longer important even to journalists. Most of them seek lucrative jobs in big business concerns out of frustration or by choice. Those few who are struggling to remain in the profession are unlucky ones who have to live in fear and financial miseries as because true journalism is not welcome.
A lot of newspapers were ceased publication. One -man -show bogus newspapers with no establishment and no regular appearance are thriving with centrally controlled government advertisement. Like many other places corruption pays. Newsprint price has gone up so much that survival of newspapers are real crisis. It is most likely as the things are the Bangladesh will soon become a country free of newspapers. Then freedom of press will be no headache.
The education sector and the printing industry have been dealt a major blow no sooner had they begun to make a comeback from two-year-long closures and business slowdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Educational institutions in Bangladesh were largely closed since the outbreak of the virus in the country in March 2020. But as coronavirus caseloads have dropped sharply in recent weeks, the government is gradually allowing in-person classes. Similarly, the printing industry that saw its business hit the rock bottom as demand fell is hoping for a strong revival as the economy is recovering strongly.
The recent rise in paper price caused by the hike in paper pulp, the raw material, and the supply disruption caused by the Russian-Ukraine war, means parents, who are already under pressure for the increasing inflation, will find it difficult to afford the key learning ingredient for their children. In the last three and a half months, the price of papers rose by a minimum of 31 per cent in the country. The printing industry is facing trouble, as millers can’t supply paper on time on the excuse of raw material shortage. Bangladesh has more than 100 paper mills with a combined annualnproduction capacity of more than 15 lakh tonnes of paper and paper products. But less than half the capacity is used as a major portion of the annual domestic requirement of around 11 lakh tonnes is met with imported paper and packaging materials. The price might increase further due to the depreciation of the local currency against US dollars as imports are growing at a faster rate than exports.
The supplier said the price would increase by another Tk 5 to Tk 10 per exercise book when he returns to deliver products next week. It will be difficult to bear educational expenses if essential educational items such as exercise books become expensive.
