The Problem of Illiteracy
Even after about thirty-four years of independence, illiteracy still remains one of the greatest problems of Bangladesh. It is the gravest threat to the progress and development of our country. Illiteracy keeps people chained to ignorance and superstition. It is an obstacle in the way of progress and prosperity.
In our country, there are still many people who do not believe in modern medicine and treatment but prefer to go to village quacks and Kabirajs for serious diseases. They even refuse to take part in any family-planning program and think that the more children they have, the more bread-earners there will be. They are not educated themselves, nor do they want to send their children to school.
We must create awareness among the people about the necessity of literacy. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be literate should teach those who do not have this facility. Literacy creates consciousness among the people regarding their rights and duties. It enables people to be better citizens. Only when people are literate can they contribute to the betterment and progress of their country.
"Each one – teach one" should be the motto of every literate person in the country. It is a great hope that the present government has taken an intensive program for the literacy movement. It aims at removing illiteracy from society within twenty years. As such, the government has recently made primary education free and compulsory and declared female education up to the H.S.C. level free. If this program is successful, a greater part of our illiterate people is likely to be freed from the curse of illiteracy.
