DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Like other countries across the world, Bangladesh is observing the International Literacy Day-2026 today in a befitting manner.

Beside the central programmes, different districts have taken various programmes marking the day.

In Sunamganj, International Literacy Day-2026 was observed in the district today with various programmes under the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”

The District Administration and the District Bureau of Non-Formal Education jointly organised the programmes.

A colourful rally was brought out from the town around 11:00 am which paraded through the main streets. Later, a discussion was held at the conference room of the district administration.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Shakila Rahman chaired the discussion, moderated by PTI Inspector Morshedul Haque.

District Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman addressed the programme as the chief guest.

Additional Superintendent of Police Rakibul Hasan Russe ll, District Primary Education Officer Mohan Lal Das, Project Director of Let Al Learn Himadri Prasad Mistry, Sunamganj Press Club President Pankaj Kanti Dey, teacher Harunur Rashid and Nasrin Begum Chowdhury, among others, addressed the discussion as special guests.

The speakers said a nation progresses through education and literacy. Therefore, they stressed the need to prevent school dropouts and ensure literacy among young people to reduce poverty in society and the state.

In Noakhali, International Literacy Day-2026 was observed in the district through various programmes with the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”

The district administration and the Bureau of Non-Formal Education jointly organised a rally at 10 am from in front of the Noakhali Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

The rally paraded through important streets of the town before returning to the starting point. Later, a discussion was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Zinat Rehana presided over the discussion, while Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam attended it as the chief guest.

Police Superintendent N M Nasiruddin, District Education Officer Md Abul Kashem and District Primary Education Officer Israt Nasima Habib were present as special guests.

Officials from different government departments, teachers of educational institutions, NGO representatives and representatives of various organisations also attended the programme.

Speakers at the discussion said the literacy rate in Noakhali currently stands at 75.52 percent. The government is working to further increase the rate, they said.

In Natore, International Literacy Day-2026 was observed in the district today through various programmes with the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”

A discussion meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room marking the day.

Deputy Commissioner Mst. Sumoni Akter presided over the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said the literacy rate in the district has reached 74 percent and the government would continue working to achieve the target of 100 percent literacy as part of its efforts to attain the SDGs.

“An integrated initiative is essential to achieve this goal. Therefore, cooperation from all concerned is indispensable,” she said.

Assistant Director of the Natore District Office of the Bureau of Non-Formal Education Md. Roni Ahmed said the literacy rate in Natore was 71 percent according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, while it increased to 74 percent according to the 2025 Economic Census.

He said the gradual rise in the literacy rate indicates that the district is making progress in this sector.

He said the “Effective Literacy and Practical Skills Training Programme” is currently being implemented in Natore to achieve the target of universal literacy.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Jannat Ara Ferdous, District Education Officer Md. Rostom Ali Helali and District Primary Education Officer Md. Abdul Hannan spoke, among others, at the meeting.

In Joypurhat, International Literacy Day-2026 was observed in the district today through various programmes, including a colourful rally and discussion meeting, under the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”

The district administration and the District Bureau of Non-Formal Education jointly organised the programmes.

The colourful rally began from the Joypurhat Sadar Upazila Parishad premises around 11.00 am. It paraded the main streets of the town before ending at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Later, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office with Deputy Commissioner Md Al Mamun Mia in the chair.

Deputy Director of Local Government Jadav Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Jesmin Nahar, Joypurhat district BNP convener Golzar Hossain, Assistant Director of the Joypurhat Non-Formal Education Programme Abu Tarik Md Rownak and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Islam addressed the meeting.

The speakers called upon all to work together to increase the literacy rate. They said achieving 100 percent literacy is indispensable for building a prosperous and developed society.

They also urged people from all sections of society to make concerted efforts to build a literacy-free district and further improve its education rate.

Besides, others district of the country observed the day with befitting manners. 

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1967 officially declared September 8 as International Literacy Day, marking a significant milestone in the fight against illiteracy.

The day has been instrumental in raising global awareness about the importance of literacy and highlighting the millions of individuals still struggling with illiteracy.