PM gets 'Peace Tree' momento from UNESCO

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday got recognition from the UNESCO for her “tireless efforts to promote female education in Bangladesh.”

UNESCO director general Irina Bokova presented a memento titled, ‘Peace Tree’, to the Prime Minister in recognition of her outstanding contribution to girls’ and women education.

Bokova handed over the memento at the inaugural ceremony of an International Conference on ‘Girls’ and women literacy and education: Foundations for sustainable development’ marking the International Literacy Day 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the city.

The programme was organized by the Government of Bangladesh in partnership with the UNESCO, in support of the UN Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI).

According to an information note of the Foreign Ministry, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in education and literacy, especially in the areas of girls’ and women’s literacy and education. 

Gender parity has improved in both primary and secondary education as well as in youth and adult literacy. 

While the primary school net enrolment ratio increased from 60.5 percent in 1990 to 98.7 percent in 2011, the primary school net enrolment ratio for girls increased from 50.8 percent in 1990 to 99.4 percent in 2011. 

The adult literacy rate increased from 35.3 percent in 1991 to 57.7 percent in 2011, with that for women going up from 25.8 percent to 53.4 percent.