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Committee formed on November 11, 2025 to select books for donation to private libraries in the fiscal year 2025-2026 was revoked," said an official release.

The ministry's order came as huge criticism on purchasing books during Afsana's tenure spiraled on social media after the government rescinded the appointment agreement with her as National Book Centre director. 

The order is said to be effective immediately.

Earlier, a mammoth debate grew on online platform as the list of books bought by the committee was spread. 

Writer and Analyst Maskwaith Ahsan took his Facebook wall condemning that this committee did not buy the books on July uprising, Philkhana and Shapla Tragedy and looting and corruption committed during Awami League's misrule. 

Even, the book of the writers contributed to the July uprising was dropped out by this committee, he denounced, saying the committee in supervision with Afsana Begum emphasised buying books of Awami leaning writers and publishers. 

Asked about the issue, Culture Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman said, "The book selection committee has been revoked and a new committee will be formed soon...We have also taken a decision to buy books being imbued with July spirits".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.