Alongside nations worldwide, Bangladesh is formally observing International Literacy Day 2026 on Tuesday through a series of appropriate events.

The officially designated slogan for this year's observation is 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.'

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education's Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE) has mapped out diverse initiatives to commemorate the occasion.

Comprehensive schedules have been structured at both national and regional tiers under direct administrative supervision from the ministry.

As a core national event, a formal seminar coupled with the presentation of the 'Non-Formal Education Awards' is underway this morning within the capital's BNFE auditorium.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally instituted September 8 as International Literacy Day back in 1967, establishing a pivotal milestone in the global campaign against educational deprivation.

The annual observance has proven vital for amplifying worldwide consciousness concerning educational necessity while drawing attention to the millions presently contending with illiteracy.

On Tuesday, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman released distinct commemorative statements honoring the day.

Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday at the Secretariat prior to the 2026 observance, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj reported that the literacy rate among citizens aged seven and older has climbed to 77.9 percent nationwide.

"The figure has emerged from the Economic Survey 2025, reflecting significant progress in the expansion of literacy in the country," he remarked.

Hajjaj noted that attaining a literacy percentage exceeding 77 percent represents a distinctly positive milestone.

"However, a large section of the population still remains outside access to basic education rights and necessary skills. Rapidly making out-of-school children, dropout adolescents, marginalised communities and disadvantaged adults literate and skilled is now one of the government's priorities," he stated.

The state minister emphasized that modern literacy extends far beyond rudimentary signature-signing or alphabet recognition.

Keeping this year's UNESCO-set International Literacy Day theme—"Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity"—in focus, literacy is being linked with employment, life skills, digital capabilities and environmental awareness, he said.

Hajjaj additionally shared that the "Adult and Functional Literacy for Ability Enhancement Programme (ALFA)" has been initiated, following the "Each One Teach One" framework, to foster self-reliance among those excluded from formal schooling and eradicate illiteracy nationwide.

The strategy will roll out adhering to international standards, he concluded.