A printing press is a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring the ink. It marked a dramatic improvement on earlier printing methods in which the cloth, paper or other medium was brushed or rubbed repeatedly to achieve the transfer of ink, and accelerated the process. Typically used for texts, the invention and global spread of the printing press was one of the most influential events in the second millennium.

Three revolutionary innovations in the field of communication – the invention of language (spoken and especially written), invention of the printing system in the 15th century, and the invention of computers in the 1960s – have led to major advances for humanity. Without the development of language, and subsequently the printing system, the world could not have progressed this far. Among the three, the first two is more important for the survival and further growth of human society than anything else. Further nourishment of languages has allowed our cognitive capabilities – especially for meaningful sharing of knowledge, for enjoying freedom, for business or for creativity – to excel above all other species. Written form of language was a blessing for humankind as this enabled us to create, contain and transfer messages from one place to another initially using older form of carriers like the papyrus, parchment, and later, with paper. The invention of printing in 1455 by German inventor Johannes Guttenberg had ensured three things in dealing generated information, i.e., storability, transferability and quickness. After its appearance, the technique of printing has absolutely dominated the whole world for over 500 years until it was challenged by digital technology that arrived at the end of the last millennium. Guttenberg’s work and invention, printing with movable type, had triggered a revolution in book production throughout the world. As a result, a much greater proportion of the population had the chance to acquire education, culture, and information through books and other printed materials than with handwritten books.

Even today, in the age of electronic media, annual growth rates in book production and other commercial printing materials are still recorded. With the expansion of printing machines and relevant technology, the markets, either in the West or in Bangladesh, for print products offers more variety than ever before. Usually, printed products are categorised into commercial printing and periodicals. Commercial printing refers to print products that are produced occasionally, e.g., catalogues, brochures, leaflets, business cards, etc. Periodicals are printed matters that appear periodically, e.g., books of different categories, newspapers, journals, magazines. Besides, other printed materials like calendar, diary, greeting cards, label, price tags, packing of garment industries, covers of medicine, etc., are also to be offered. According to the source of Bangladesh Mudran Shilpa Samitee, as many as 1,350 organisations are the members of their association. Another 5,000 printing organisations are working throughout the country. The annual investment in the printing industry spans between BDT 12,000-Tk15,000 crores, and the annual profit is around 15 percent.

This indicates the vibrancy of this industry. Despite that, the industry has been facing many hindrances. They need to import raw printing materials like paper, board, ink, lubricant, etc., by paying high customs duties. The high priced printing machineries being used in Bangladesh mostly come from the other countries. The annual market value of printing goods and commodities and services rendered by the printing industry of Bangladesh is around BDT 4,000 crore. Out of that, printing goods worth around BDT 160 crore are exported every year. The growth rate of this sector increases 10 percent per year.