Bangladesh Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Bangladesh's literacy rate was 81.70% in 2025, ranked 46th globally. This represents a 3.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Bangladesh's literacy rate stood at 81.70% in 2025, a rise of +2.70pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 81.70% by 2025. Bangladesh ranked 46th globally.
Bangladesh's literacy rate has experienced a significant increase over the past 16 years, rising from 29.23% in 1981 to 81.70% in 2025. This growth represents a substantial improvement, with the country making notable strides in increasing access to education. Bangladesh's literacy rate surpasses that of its peer countries, with Egypt ranking 45th globally at 82.29% and Tanzania ranking 51st at 80.48%. In comparison, India's literacy rate ranks slightly higher at 82.65%, while Lao PDR ranks 56th at 79.61%. The country's literacy rate has continued to rise since 1981, with no recorded trough, indicating a consistent upward trend. To sustain this momentum, Bangladesh will need to address challenges such as rural-urban disparities and ensure that education remains a priority in its development agenda.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 81.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 81.70% | +2.70pp | #46 |
| 2022 | 79.00% | +2.64pp | #32 |
| 2021 | 76.36% | +1.45pp | #32 |
| 2020 | 74.91% | +0.23pp | #36 |
| 2019 | 74.68% | +0.77pp | #42 |
| 2018 | 73.91% | +1.02pp | #35 |
| 2017 | 72.89% | +0.13pp | #28 |
| 2016 | 72.76% | +7.62pp | #35 |
| 2015 | 65.14% | +4.05pp | #36 |
| 2014 | 61.09% | +0.07pp | #39 |
| 2013 | 61.02% | +3.16pp | #29 |
| 2012 | 57.86% | −0.91pp | #40 |
| 2011 | 58.77% | +11.28pp | #47 |
| 2001 | 47.49% | +12.17pp | #27 |
| 1991 | 35.32% | +6.09pp | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bangladesh matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bangladesh's literacy rate was 81.70% in 2025. Ranked 46th globally. This represents a 3.4% increase from the previous year.
Bangladesh's literacy rate peaked at 81.70% in 2025.
The lowest literacy rate in Bangladesh was 29.23% in 1981.
Bangladesh ranks 46th globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bangladesh's literacy rate is projected to reach 81.70% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of Bangladesh in 2025 was 81.70%. This ranks 46th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bangladesh_literacy-rate,
title = {Bangladesh Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bangladesh/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}