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The constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh recognizes literacy as fundamental right of all citizens and enjoins on the state to take measures to remove illiteracy speedily. The Government approved a national Non-Formal Education Policy Framework in 2006 which provides the overarching principles for conducting NFE programmes including adult literacy initiatives. Also established was the BNFE, which is the Government agency for the overall coordination of literacy and NFE activities in Bangladesh.
According to the NFE Policy Framework, “Literacy is the ability to read, understand, interpret, communicate and compute in verbal and written forms in varying contexts. It involves a continuum of learning that enables individuals to develop their potentials and knowledge-base and to participate fully in community affairs and wider social and developmental contexts.”
Source:Asia and the Pacific Education for All (EFA) Mid-Decade Assessment, SOUTH AISA, Synthesis Report ©UNESCO 2009
| Quick Facts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT LITERACY RATE (15 and over) | YOUTH LITERACY RATE (15 - 24 years) | |||
| Total | 41.1 | 55.0 | 49.7 | 74.4 |
| Male | 50.3 | 60.0 | 57.8 | 73.3 |
| Female | 31.4 | 49.8 | 41.1 | 75.5 |
| Total (000) | 52209 | 48990 | 14740 | 8441 |
| %Female | 57.0 | 55.2 | 57.0 | 47.0 |