Primary and mass education minister Mostafizur Rahman said current literacy rate of Bangladesh is 61 per cent.
Referring to data of Bangladesh Statistics Bureau, the minister made this comment at a press briefing on Sunday, ahead of the international Literacy Day on 8 September, in the secretariat.
Mostafizur Rahman informed a discussion will be held at Osmani Memorial Hall on 8 September, marking the day. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be the chief guest of the programme.
The minister said 52 lakh more students will get stipend at the primary level.
A total of 1 crore 30 lakh students will receive stipend soon, said the minister.