Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said literacy in the present global context is no longer confined to basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills; rather, it now encompasses digital skills, information literacy, critical thinking, creativity, life skills and environmental awareness.
“The incumbent government aims to transform the education system from certificate-based learning to skills-based, employment-oriented and ethical education,” he said in a message issued today on the eve of International Literacy Day 2026, which will be observed on Tuesday with the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity”.
Noting that modern literacy lies at the intersection of human development, protection of the planet and a prosperous economy, Tarique Rahman said literacy is not merely a program to eliminate illiteracy, but also a foundation for enhancing people’s capabilities, creating employment, promoting social inclusion and ensuring sustainable prosperity.
The Head of Government said the government has allocated the highest-ever budget for the education sector to build an effective education system for all, with a plan to gradually raise the allocation to 5% of GDP during its tenure.
“Investment would be increased in universal pre-primary education, early childhood development, mother-tongue-based education and the development of human and civic values from the primary level,” the prime minister added.
Stressing the need to link literacy programs with technical and vocational education, technology education, digital skills and job-oriented training, he said opportunities for skill development and digital literacy should be expanded at the local level, particularly for disadvantaged rural women and homemakers.
Tarique Rahman also called for bringing children, women, marginalized communities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups into the mainstream of education and skill development.
The prime minister urged the ministries concerned, educational institutions, teachers, academics, public and private organizations, development partners, the private sector, civil society, voluntary organizations, media professionals and people from all walks of life to work together to achieve the goal.
He hoped that the observance of International Literacy Day would strengthen people’s capabilities, advance the national economy through knowledge and help build an environmentally friendly, inclusive and sustainable Bangladesh.
The prime minister wished success to all programs undertaken to mark International Literacy Day 2026.