Failure to achieve 100 pc literacy shameful: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said failure to achieve 100 per cent literacy even after 45 years of independence of the country is appalling.

"Forty-five have passed by since Bangladesh’s independence…this is very much regretful that we cannot yet say we’ve achieved hundred per cent literacy rate, this is disgraceful as well for us as a nation," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the second day programme of Chittagong University’s Golden Jubilee celebrations on its central playground through a videoconference from Ganobhbaban, reports agencies.

She urged the teachers and students of all educational institutions to maintain affable atmosphere on campuses so that there could be no session jam.

Hasina said her government wants to develop a modern and educated new generation to build the country more efficiently.

For the purpose, she said, many specialised and multifaceted educational institutions like medical university, agriculture university, marine university, fisheries institute, university of science and technology are being developed at different parts of the country.

Besides, she said, steps have already been taken to establish two new medical universities in Chittagong and Rajshahi.

Hasina also said that such universities would also be set up in other divisions in phases to build Bangladesh as an educated, poverty and hunger free nation.

The Prime Minister urged members of alumni, former students and affluent section of the society, including public representatives and rich people to contribute to the development and welfare of their local educational institutions.

Speaker of the parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present as the chief guest. Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman, a former faculty member, delivered the memorial speech.

CU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury presided over the programme.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Railways Minister Mujibul Haque and Prime Minister`s Adviser HT Imam were present at Ganobhaban.