Photo : Freepik

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS) - International Literacy Day-2025 is being observed in the country like many other countries across the globe today with due dignity and significance.

The theme of the day, set by UNESCO, is "Promoting literacy in the digital era".

To celebrate the occasion, the Bureau of Non-Formal Education under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has organized a discussion at Tejgaon in the capital.

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder will attend the discussion as the chief guest.

On the other hand, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus issued a message marking the day.

International Literacy Day (ILD) has been observed globally since 1967, and in independent Bangladesh since 1972, on September 8 every year.

Literacy is one of the key tools for overcoming various economic, social, and political obstacles. While definitions of literacy vary from country to country, UNESCO introduced a universal definition in 1967. At that time, the ability to simply sign one's name was considered enough to be termed literate.

Later, almost every decade brought revisions to that definition, and in 1993, a new definition stated that to be considered literate, an individual must be able to read simple and short sentences in their own language, write simple and short sentences in their own language, and perform basic calculations relevant to daily life.

With a view to freeing the nation from the curse of illiteracy and achieving economic emancipation, Article 17 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to free and compulsory education.