KM Ali Azam, senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, has claimed that the ministry was unaware of the inclusion of the 29 books written by an additional secretary in the list of 1,400 books purchased by the government.
The government official made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.
The senior secretary said he came to know about the development through the media.
He also said that he will sit with relevant parties on Monday and take a decision in this regard.
The public administration secretary said the government has taken a decision to build a library to develop reading habits among officials at the district-upazila and divisional levels.
In the next four years, libraries will be set up in the divisional commissioner's office, deputy commissioner's office and upazila nirbahi officer's office with small allocations.
For this, a list of 1400 books was made. There are 29 books by an additional secretary on the list, according to media reports. Therefore, the list will be revised or canceled after the examination.
"We will see if the books listed are of quality, 29 books from one person may not be of standard quality. I'll review everything. The decision that comes will be communicated to everyone via a letter," he said.
The public administration secretary said the money for the purchase of books will be allocated on a four-year basis, every year in small amounts.
“There is a difference in allocation every year. Last year's money was released. Since it is a four-year project, money will be allocated every year,” he added.
When asked if the purchase of books has started at the field level, the secretary said: "We have not yet received the report. After receiving the report, it can be confirmed. To buy books, Tk1.5 lakh has been allocated for upazila level, Tk2 lakh at the district level and Tk3 lakh at the divisional level.”
