Around 58 percent urban and 40 percent rural males above 60 years of age in Bangladesh are literate while the rate is only 24 percent and 12 percent for females over 60 years of age respectively, according to a UNESCO report.

However, the disparity has been addressed in newer generations, with a literacy rate of 80 percent and 74 percent amongst urban and rural boys aged 10-14 while 83 percent urban and 81 percent rural girls from the age group are literate, the report said published on Thursday, the UNB reported. 

The information was revealed in the 4th UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE-4) where it spotlighted the literacy rate amongst Bangladesh’s rural and urban populations by gender.

It noted remarkable progress in adult learning and education of Bangladesh, though there has been a little disparity between urban and rural people as well as between male and female.

Stating that adult education is central to sustainable development and economic growth, the report said in almost one-third of countries, fewer than five percent of adults aged 15 and above participate in education and learning programmes.

Disadvantaged groups, in particular, are often deprived of their right to education. Adults with disabilities, older adults, refugees and migrants, and minority groups are among those losing out, according to the report.

It also found that in Asia, community learning centres (CLCs) have come to play an essential role in providing the rural population with appropriate Adult Learning and Education opportunities. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam have all significantly increased the number of CLCs, which has dramatically increased the number of rural learners in literacy, life skills and various vocational programmes.

Overall, the GRALE report warns major change in adult education participation is required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The report calls for a sea change in approach, backed by adequate investment, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from adult learning and education and that its full contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is realized.

The findings of the global report are based on data submitted by 159 countries.

To reach the Sustainable Development Goal 4 and other SDGs by 2030, the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education calls for six recommendations.

These are better data, particularly for low-income countries and marginalised or vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees; increased investment in adult learning and education from governments, employers and individuals; donor countries to live up to their aid obligations to developing countries and rebalance their funding of education to support the education of adults as well as children; more research on good practices, particularly when it comes to vulnerable and excluded groups; recognition that investment in adult learning and education has social, civic and economic benefits; and an integrated, inter-sectoral and inter-ministerial approach to governance to enable Member States to realise the wider benefits of adult education to the greatest extent possible, with resources allocated accordingly.