BOU celebrates 34th anniversary with focus on skills, lifelong learning
BOU celebrates 34th anniversary with focus on skills, lifelong learning
Bangladesh Open University (BOU) marked its 34th founding anniversary at its main campus in Gazipur today, inaugurating a technical education institute and presenting its first Dean’s Awards to highlight skills and lifelong learning.
Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon attended the celebrations as chief guest and inaugurated the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the university’s main campus in Gazipur on 28 October, 2026, according to a press release.
Nine students received Dean’s Awards for outstanding results in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. A postgraduate student from the third-gender community also received a crest in recognition of academic achievement.
The education minister and BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan presented the awards after the deans of the university’s seven schools announced the recipients.
The vice-chancellor chaired the anniversary discussion. University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed and BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Anisur Rahman attended as special guests. Emeritus Professor Anwarullah Chowdhury, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, delivered the keynote address.
Speaking at the event, Milon called for a review of the university’s founding objectives and current activities. He said its purpose extended beyond awarding certificates to developing the potential of people deprived of educational opportunities and ensuring access to lifelong learning.
He stressed the need for an assessment based on reliable data covering the university’s achievements over 34 years, educational standards, students’ skills and graduates’ contributions in the workplace.
The minister urged BOU to build on its distinctive role in open and distance learning and develop modern, technology-driven programmes linked to skills and employment. He also emphasised improving curricula and assessment methods, preventing examination irregularities and cheating, and ensuring the appropriate use of artificial intelligence.
Milon said expanding technical and employment-oriented education was essential to developing a skilled workforce. He called for effective use of the university’s infrastructure and technological facilities, lessons from international experience and research-based planning.
In his address, Siddiqur said BOU had grown from offering a single academic programme to running 55 programmes. Its priorities now included expanding education centred on knowledge, technology, skills and innovation.
He outlined plans for initiatives in information technology, artificial intelligence, graphic design, entrepreneurship development, and Korean and Japanese language education.
The vice-chancellor said efforts were underway to establish a deans’ committee, revive discontinued journals and improve technology-based teaching and digital learning.
He described lifelong learning as a central strength of the university, enabling people to pursue education regardless of age. He added that improving educational quality and preparing students for employment would remain priorities alongside expanding access.
Congratulating the first Dean’s Award recipients, Siddiqur expressed hope that their achievements would inspire other students. He also pledged to address negative perceptions of the university by strengthening its role in providing modern education and developing skilled graduates.
Keynote speaker Anwarullah said BOU had widened educational opportunities for working people, women, rural communities and those outside conventional education over the past 34 years. He noted that its reach had also extended beyond Bangladesh.
He called for better educational standards, effective use of technology, stronger research and innovation, employment-oriented programmes, and services that respond to students’ needs.
Anwarullah also urged closer cooperation with Dhaka University and other institutions at home and abroad to strengthen BOU’s international standing while preserving its commitment to education for all.
Mamun highlighted the potential of the university’s extensive network and technological infrastructure to expand quality education linked to skills and employment. He stressed the need to modernise teaching and administration in line with developments in artificial intelligence and other technologies.
He also paid tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Anisur spoke about the university’s progress, achievements and future opportunities.
The day’s programmes began at 10 am with the hoisting of the national flag, the university flag and the flags of its seven schools. The minister formally inaugurated the celebrations by releasing pigeons and balloons.
The programme included a procession, a picture exhibition, and a documentary screening, and concluded in the afternoon with a cultural performance.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Md Serajul Islam delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer Professor Shaikh Rafiqul Islam offered the vote of thanks. Acting Registrar TM Ahmed Hussein moderated the event.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan also spoke. The vice-chancellors of the Islamic University of Technology and Dhaka Central University, and the pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer of National University, attended alongside BOU teachers, officers, employees and guests.
