At a press conference yesterday, Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association also demanded issuance of import licences in the name of association, regular supply of papers from Karnaphuli Paper Mills and formulation of a specific policy to regulate prices of papers.

The association leaders said while the neighbouring countries such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have imposed 6 percent import duty on papers, it is 25 percent in Bangladesh.

"A ton of newsprint costs only Tk 39,000 to 40,000, but we have to pay Tk 62,000 to 63,000, including all charges," said Association President Md Abu Taher.

The crisis of paper in the country worsens when the local paper producers increases the prices of paper at will, he added.

The leaders said that although the government makes highest allocation in the education sector, it is indifferent to soaring prices of papers that lead to higher production cost of books.

Md Tajul Islam, Kamrul Hasan, SM Mohsin, SM Omar Faruk, Md Abul Kalam and other leaders were also present at the press conference.