International Literacy Day being celebrated

Today is International Literacy Day. The day is being celebrated in the Bangladesh as in other countries of the world. September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. The Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world. In Bangladesh, the day is being observed through various programmes at government and private level. This year’s theme is ‘Literacy and Sustainable Development’. An international conference styled ‘Girls and Women Literacy and Education: Foundation for Sustainable Development’ will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to hand over UNESCO Literacy Award to representatives of 14 countries which are champions in Mass Literacy. Primary and Mass Education Minister Advocate Mostafizur Rahman and high government officials will be present. The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has given the responsibility to Bangladesh to organise the conference this year to raise the country’s success in women education to other UN countries. Representatives from 36 countries will take part in the conference. Bangladesh got UNESCO Literacy Award in 2012 for its success in women education. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the day, according to a news agency.