International Literacy Day being observed today

Bangladesh, along with the rest of the world, is observing International Literacy Day 2025 on Monday with due solemnity and national significance. This year, UNESCO has declared the theme: “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, reflecting the global need to integrate technology with education to bridge literacy gaps.

To commemorate the day, the Bureau of Non-Formal Education, under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, organized a discussion event at Tejgaon in the capital. Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, adviser to the ministry, attended the event as the chief guest.

On this occasion, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, serving as the chief adviser, issued a special message, emphasizing the importance of literacy in building an equitable and sustainable future.

International Literacy Day has been celebrated globally since 1967 and in Bangladesh since 1972, a year after the country gained independence. The observance serves as a reminder of the pivotal role literacy plays in individual empowerment and national development.

While definitions of literacy have evolved over time, UNESCO’s 1993 framework identifies a person as literate if they can; read simple and short sentences in their native language, write similar sentences, and perform basic arithmetic necessary for daily life.

Previously, literacy was broadly defined by the mere ability to sign one's name. However, with the rise of knowledge-based economies, the criteria have become more comprehensive, incorporating essential life skills.

Article 17 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees free and compulsory education, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eliminating illiteracy and ensuring inclusive education for all.

Experts highlight that literacy and development are intrinsically linked. Illiteracy continues to pose a significant barrier to progress, especially in rural and underprivileged communities. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they argue that fostering digital literacy is essential for building a resilient, informed, and economically empowered society.

As the nation reflects on its progress, stakeholders reiterate the need for renewed commitment to literacy as a fundamental right and a powerful tool for sustainable development.