State Minister Bobby Hajjaj attends ceremony as Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha receives UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh's Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha today received the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 in recognition of its innovative solar-powered floating school initiative serving communities in the Chalan Beel wetlands.

The award was handed over today at a ceremony organized by UNESCO Dhaka, attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj as the chief guest.

Addressing the occasion, Hajjaj said ensuring access to quality education for every child remains the government's commitment, particularly in climate-vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas.

In 2025, Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha was selected as one of three global recipients of the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize alongside Ireland's National Adult Literacy Agency and Morocco's Ministry of Education.

Chairing the event, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize said literacy empowers people to make informed decisions, seize opportunities and participate actively in society.

The floating school project operates in the Chalan Beel wetland area, providing education services through solar-powered boats equipped as classrooms, libraries and computer labs. Currently, the organization operates 56 boats, including 26 classrooms and 10 library and computer-lab boats.

Executive Director of Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha Mohammed Rezwan said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of people working in remote communities and would inspire the organization to reach more learners.

Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have recognized excellence and innovation in literacy worldwide. The UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize, supported by China, is awarded annually to three organizations and carries a prize value of USD30,000.