International Literacy Day was observed across the country yesterday, under the theme "Literacy and Multilingualism".

To mark the day, a colourful procession was brought out in Manikganj town, organised by the district administration and Bureau of Informal Education. A discussion was also held at the Freedom Fighters' Memorial in the town.

In Meherpur, a procession was brought out and a discussion was held in the district town. The discussion was held at the conference room of the deputy commissioner.

Additional Deputy

Commissioner Md Ebadot Hossain presided over the event, attended by Deputy Commissioner Md Ataul Goni, among others. Associate Prof Abdullah Al Amin of Meherpur Government College presented the keynote paper at the discussion.

The day was also observed in

Kushtia, where a procession from the Collectorate Building paraded different streets in the town. Superintendent of Police SM Tanvir

Arafat and Sadar Upazila Chairman Ataur Rahman Ata participated in the event.

In Nilphamari, a rally and

discussion were organised by the district administration and Bureau of Informal Education.

In Khulna, a discussion, marking the day, was held at the conference room of the deputy commissioner. DC Iqbal Hossain took part in it as chief guest. In the morning, a procession was brought out from the city's Shaheed Hadis Park.

The day was also observed in Narail and Bogura.

International Literacy Day is celebrated worldwide, marking the 52nd anniversary of the World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy, held in Tehran, Iran in 1965.

Following the Tehran recommendation, Unesco proclaimed September 8th the International Literacy Day at the 14th session of Unesco's general conference on October 26, 1966 to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies.