Promoting literacy to build knowledge-based society stressed

International Literacy Day 2026 was observed across the country including Joypurhat, Noakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari and Rangamati districts on Tuesday with the aim of promoting literacy, expanding educational opportunities, and raising public awareness to build a knowledge-based society. 

This year’s theme of the day was “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”.

JOYPURHAT: On the occasion, the district administration and the District Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE) organised a rally and a discussion meeting.

A colourful rally began from the front of the Sadar Upazila Parishad that paraded through the town roads, and ended at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

A discussion meeting was subsequently held in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Al Mamun Mia addressing as the chief guest. Among others, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan and District BNP Convener and Member Secretary of the District Sports Association Md Golzar Hossain spoke as special guests.

The discussion meeting focused on promoting literacy, expanding access to education, and raising public awareness to help build a knowledge-based society. Government officials, teachers, students, and people from various walks of life participated in the programme.

NOAKHALI: On the occasion, the district administration and the District BNFE organised a colourful rally and a discussion meeting.

A colourful rally was brought out from the DC office premises participated by officials and employees from various departments of the district administration, members of law enforcement agencies, teachers and students, and people from different walks of life.

After the rally, a discussion meeting was held in the conference room of the DC office chaired by Additional DC (ICT and Education) Zinat Rehana while DC Muhammad Shafiqul Islam was the chief guest. The meeting focused on the importance of the Day, expanding access to education, and ensuring educational opportunities for people from all sections and professions of society.

Noakhali Superintendent of Police (SP) N M Nasiruddin was present as the special guest. Besides, District Education Officer (In Charge) Md Abul Kashem and District Primary Education Officer Israt Nasima Habib were also present.

PIROJPUR: To mark the day, the district administration and the District BNFE jointly brought out a rally from the circuit house premises that paraded through the main roads and ended on the DC office premises. 

Later, a discussion meeting was held at DC office conference room with DC Abu Sayeed in the chair. Among others, Additional DC (General) Md Alaudddin Bhuiyan Jony, District Primary Education Officer Md Bakhtiar Hossain Mollah and BNFE representative Md Abdullah spoke in the meeting.

RAJBARI: On the occasion, the district administration and the District BNFE organised a discussion meeting at the DC office.

DC Afroza Parvin was the chief guest at the programme while Additional DC Tariff-ul Hasan chaired the event.

The DC said literacy is a cross-sectoral social responsibility and should extend beyond basic reading and writing. She said people should have basic knowledge of health, land records, banking transactions and essential technology, even if they have limited formal education.

“Literacy enables people to understand information, know their rights and responsibilities, access necessary services and develop social awareness,” she said, adding that health education and humanitarian values are also important.

Among others present were Additional SP Mohammad Shamsul Haque, District Civil Surgeon Dr SM Masud, District Education Officer Abdul Majid, District Primary Education Officer Tabibar Rahman, Additional DC Shankar Chandra Baidya, District BNFE representative Jamal Uddin Khan, etc.

A colourful rally was brought out from the mango orchard in front of the DC office in the morning participated by students, teachers and representatives of various nongovernmental organisations.

RANGAMATI: On the occasion, the district administration and the District BNFE organised a discussion meeting with DC Nazma Ashraf attending as the chief guest.

Among those present were Additional SP (Sadar Circle) Tarek Sekander, Additional DC (Education and ICT) Alamgir Hossain, District Primary Education Officer Md Kofil Uddin, Assistant Primary Education Officer Manas Mukur Chakma, education enthusiast and former head teacher Nirupa Dewan, as well as head teachers and students from various public and private educational institutions.

Speakers said literacy is not limited to acquiring basic reading and writing skills but is an important means of improving people’s knowledge, skills and awareness. Literacy helps people understand their rights and enables them to contribute to the development of their families, communities and country.

They also stressed the need to bring marginalised communities under literacy programmes and help students who have dropped out return to education to ensure learning opportunities for all.