The days of universal significance have a way of leaving behind a trail of depressing realisations in Bangladesh. World Literacy Day observed yesterday throughout the country as elsewhere in the world could only serve as a sad reminder of the doldrums our education system is in. It is a no-go situation everywhere.

While our economic and socio-political reality does not really offer a fertile pasture for education to expand as quickly as one would like it to, lack of sincerity in every rank has been subverting the process for quite some time. The variance in the statistics provided by the authorities at different points of Ume has been quite indicative .of the insincerity syndrome.

The target of raising the literacy level should be constantly focused on the idea of helping the innumerable unwashed out from the dark tunnel of prejudice and ignoremce so that they no longer remain a burden and fits in automatically in the developmental activities for an overall upliftment of the nation. Literacy drive would lose its goal If it has to end in polishing up the year book of statistics. Neither should it narrow its interpretation in firing the dream of adding to the long list of ineffectual degree holders who have come to serve no other purpose than increasing the burden on our economy for all their certificates.

The Prime Minister while speaking at a reception accorded to the bri/iiant students of the six secondary education boards the other day stressed on the necessity of a pragmatic education policy. We hope sincerity will be the last thing wanting In the initiative to formulate and Implement that policy. Irrespective of the diversity in ideology all concerned should weigh in the formation of an education policy which will accommodate our dreams and aspirations by being unfailingly in touch with the novelties of a changing world. The light of education has to spread far and wide if we are sincere with our slogans for development. Let sincerity roll through all the moves related to education.