1. Please share with us a brief overview of your career and academic journey that led you to become the Managing Director of Lecture Publications Ltd?
From an early stage in my life, my determination was clear—I had a goal and a path to follow. Growing up in an environment immersed in books, publishing, and content writing, it was almost innate for me to pursue this trajectory. My initial educational journey was characterized by diversity, as I attended schools with English and Bengali mediums, and had taken lessons in Quranic Studies. This diverse experience further deepened my connection to this realm, solidifying my path from an early stage in life.
I knew my purpose from childhood—to carve a path in education, guided by a clear mission. This clarity led me to choose the BBA Program at North South University, a renowned institution with the strongest business program at that time. Despite the option to pursue a CSE program in a reputed university, I opted for business, aligning with my aspirations. Furthering my education, I embarked on higher studies at Coventry University in the UK, another prestigious institution.
My career voyage took shape during my internship at Freshers Festival, a company focused on student engagement and assistance. Throughout my life, the backdrop remained consistent—education, students, and learning. Upon returning to Bangladesh, I joined our family business, beginning at the grassroots level. This wasn’t a case of inheriting the reins, but rather learning the fundamentals—understanding the nuances of writing, editing, content creation, and the intricacies of educational institutions.
As an R&D coordinator, I facilitated the interplay between the R&D, Marketing, and Management departments, a challenging responsibility. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, crippling our industry. With educational institutions shuttered and our core clientele—Bangla medium students—impacted, the business suffered substantial setbacks. The capital dwindled, and the outlook was bleak.
After 14 months of grappling with the pandemic’s aftermath, my father entrusted me with the mantle of leadership in 2021. Appointed as Managing Director, I faced the daunting task of rejuvenating both our company and the industry at large, which had been severely impacted. The journey was arduous—cash flow had dwindled, book purchases were no longer a priority, and the industry grappled with an uncertain future.
For several months, uncertainty loomed. Industry veterans were as perplexed as I was, grappling with an unprecedented scenario. Amidst the crisis, the fundamental challenge was that clients, suffering financially, could not afford books. With insufficient resources to invest and create new products, we faced a dilemma.
The expense of producing books is substantial—around 250-400 BDT per word. Our approach involves crafting original content from scratch, not relying on copying from existing sources. This commitment to quality and authenticity is resource-intensive. Consequently, when the pandemic hit, we primarily relied on selling existing materials.
The journey through these challenging times was marked by the transition into my role as Managing Director, a position tasked with reviving a struggling company and industry. It was a period of navigating uncharted waters, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and attempting to strike a balance between the company’s sustainability and the realities of a world grappling with the effects of a global crisis.
2. Can you share some of the innovative approaches Lecture Publications Ltd is implementing to bring change to the publication industry? What sets your company apart from competitors?
Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, my team and I embarked on a transformative journey, introducing a novel line of products to the market. In the face of uncertainty, the transition to online classes proved daunting, presenting a learning curve for both educators and students alike. The sudden government announcement of shortened syllabi for exams added a layer of complexity, leaving teachers, students, and parents unprepared and seeking guidance.
Recognizing this gap, we seized the opportunity to publish “Churanto Prostuti,” a move that would prove to be a game-changer. This publication provided much-needed guidelines and resources, addressing the pressing needs of the education community. The response was overwhelming, as “Churanto Prostuti” swiftly gained traction, igniting a resurgence in the industry.
As the pandemic cast a shadow on traditional business models, many shop owners contemplated shuttering their establishments. However, our innovative project breathed new life into their endeavors and revitalized the entire landscape. Our comprehensive approach encompassed guideline books for teachers and practice materials for students. The success of this venture was a result of the dedicated efforts of our expert R&D team, who worked tirelessly in collaboration with educators.
The impact was profound—our project not only revitalized our own business but also revitalized an entire industry that had faced uncertainty. The newfound resources empowered teachers to adapt, students to continue learning, and shop owners to sustain their livelihoods. Through collective efforts and innovative solutions, we not only weathered the storm but emerged as a beacon of resilience and transformation within the education sector.
3. The publishing industry has experienced significant disruptions with the rise of digital media and e-books. How do you plan to stay relevant in this digital era and continue to serve your audience effectively?
Amid the surge of startups and platforms advocating for online classes and digital materials, Bangladesh remains rooted in its affinity for traditional books. Despite the emergence of these unconventional norms, the preference for physical books persists among the populace.
It’s crucial to note that regardless of evolving technologies, the enduring superiority of physical books over their online counterparts remains evident. Our company has long possessed the technology to provide e-books and PDFs, but we’ve refrained from widespread implementation. While we’ve successfully provided teachers with e-books, extending the same to our vast student base remains a work in progress. Our ongoing efforts aim to make digital resources accessible to students, benefiting both their learning experience and our operational efficiency.
The landscape of Bangladesh’s music industry has transformed from cassettes to CDs and now resides primarily online. Similarly, the book industry faces substantial risks, with the potential for a significant shift. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that books will persist. The interconnected ecosystem comprising schools, students, academic materials, and our contribution will continue to complement each other. While numbers might dwindle, the enduring presence of books is assured.
Simultaneously, our focus on technology-driven solutions remains unwavering. We’re actively developing an ed-tech solution harnessing our robust content, team, and technological resources. This initiative involves converting our content into PDFs and E-books for secure and efficient distribution to students, mitigating piracy concerns.
Notably, the prevalence of internet users across Bangladesh is extensive, encompassing individuals from various age groups. The affordable and accessible internet packages provided by the government have further facilitated digital engagement.
In 2020, prior to joining the company, I collaborated on a project envisioning a ‘Kindle’-like platform where students could access a plethora of books online. The intent was to provide a black and white platform, designed for optimal user-friendliness. While the concept holds immense potential for revolutionizing academic solutions, it’s evident that our country is not yet prepared for such a transformation. The transition will require time, patience, and a collective shift in mindset, which we anticipate will gradually evolve in the years to come.
4. Apart from Lecture Publication, what other projects are you currently involved in?
With a rich history spanning four decades, our company embarked on a transformative journey when I joined, spearheading a pivotal government project that revolutionized our approach to printing. Recognizing a significant gap in the industry—where book production spanned multiple facilities—we envisioned a holistic approach. This involved consolidating the printing process under one roof, thus optimizing efficiency and quality. The primary goal was to not only support government initiatives in free book distribution but also establish our own printing facility. This symbiotic strategy aimed to bolster both our business and governmental efforts.
Looking to the future, my vision for this printing venture extends beyond national borders. There remain global markets where the preference for physical books prevails over digital alternatives. Drawing inspiration from India’s success in this sector, I aspire for Bangladesh to carve its place on the global stage, paralleling the impact of the garment industry. A key facet of this aspiration involves capitalizing on idle periods following government projects, transforming them into lucrative opportunities for profit generation.
We’ve emerged as one of the select companies ensuring timely book supply to the government, a feat underscored by our recent order for one crore books. Simultaneously, our foray into software development is a work in progress, harboring the potential for groundbreaking advancements. Our recent introduction of vibrant and interactive children’s books reflects a nuanced understanding of captivating young minds. This venture into the educational sector aligns seamlessly with my enduring dedication to the field.
Another project we’ve embarked upon caters to students preparing for admission tests and BCS examinations. ‘Global Affairs,’ an offering we’ve introduced, has met with notable success. Leveraging the rapport our books have fostered among students since their school days, we anticipate a strong resonance with our brand.
Our journey has been characterized by both backward and forward integration—a bold decision I undertook with conviction. These calculated steps have proven fortuitous, solidifying our position as industry leaders. Looking ahead, diversification has been a focal point. Launching writing pads—a first in our four-decade history—marks the inception of our stationery endeavors. The roadmap ahead extends into the realm of stationery, further enriching our portfolio.
Our narrative is one of innovation, strategic expansion, and unwavering dedication to education. Guided by an unrelenting commitment to excellence, we continue to redefine the contours of our industry, leveraging opportunities to their fullest potential.
5. Considering the dynamic nature of the publishing industry, what are the key challenges you foresee in the future, and how do you plan to address them to ensure sustained success?
The collective efforts of various entities in addressing critical issues and serving the needs of the populace are truly commendable. Their dedicated pursuit of solutions reflects a laudable commitment to public welfare. While acknowledging the progress made, it’s worth noting that a more robust competitive landscape could further drive innovation.
In acknowledging potential challenges, it’s evident that the Bangladesh government is making commendable strides towards digitization. However, it’s also evident that the general populace’s technological readiness requires time for enhancement. In contrast, India stands as an exemplar of progress with a plethora of platforms catering to students, resulting in substantial uptake. India’s academic sector shines due to its rigorous standards and meticulous filtering processes, which have propelled them to a more advanced state. This serves as a driving force for Indian students who exhibit a well-polished readiness for both national and international competitions.
The journey towards digitization is undoubtedly a gradual process, necessitating continuous efforts to bridge gaps and align technological advancements with the nation’s aspirations. Our unwavering determination in the face of challenges is a testament to our resilience and collective drive for progress. As we continue adapting to evolving technological paradigms, Bangladeshi students are poised to better prepare for future competitions both at home and on the global stage.
6. How can your collaboration with the government in supplying books and your focus on digital education products contribute to the establishment of a “Smart Bangladesh”?
Our ongoing collaboration with the government involves supplying books, a venture currently underway with the delivery of a significant number of books, and plans to expand these efforts further. As we look ahead, our contribution to establishing a “Smart Bangladesh” could involve the successful launch of products that facilitate online learning through e-books, providing students with accessible and digital learning resources.
For the realization of a “Smart Bangladesh,” the critical cornerstone lies in fostering an intelligent educational system. This hinges on equipping our students with smart education, nurturing their capabilities, and leveraging technology effectively. Despite the abundance of paper mills, the fact that we continue exporting paper underscores the potential for growth in digital education. Embracing a digital educational framework could serve as a strategic step towards diminishing our reliance on paper while propelling holistic system development.
By aligning our efforts with the vision of a “Smart Bangladesh,” we can amplify the impact of our contributions. Empowering students with digital learning tools not only enhances their educational experience but also serves as a catalyst for the larger transformation we seek to achieve.
7. What are your short-term and long-term goals? How do you envision the company’s growth and expansion in the coming years?
In pursuit of short-term goals, my various projects, including the printing business, have been instrumental in uniting individuals, providing training, and generating employment opportunities for them.
Gazing forward, my ambitions encompass leaving a mark across the full spectrum of educational domains, both in the private and public sectors. As publishers, books are the center of our universe —we begin and conclude our days with them. Ensuring our customers’ happiness and satisfaction is paramount. At the heart of it all, my primary objective remains serving students, enriching their educational journey, and propelling it toward greater ease and advancement.
