Bangladesh Open University (BOU) honoured Tanisha Yasmin Choiti after she became the first third-gender student to complete its Master of Social Science in Sociology programme, marking a milestone in the university’s efforts to expand inclusive education.

Tanisha, a student of the 2023–2024 academic session under the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages, achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 out of 4.00.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon presented Tanisha with a special commemorative crest at the university’s 34th founding anniversary celebrations on 28 October 2026, after being invited to the event.

BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan chaired the ceremony, while University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed attended as a special guest.

Since its establishment, the university has worked to widen educational opportunities for people outside the conventional education system and communities with limited access to learning.

Its approach to inclusive and lifelong education aims to ensure that age, occupation, geographical location and social identity do not become barriers to education. The university described Tanisha’s achievement as a reflection of that commitment.

To expand access to education for the third-gender community, BOU has established a dedicated study centre under its Rangpur Regional Centre, where it holds regular classes. The initiative gives community members opportunities to participate in formal education and develop their abilities.

After being briefed on the initiative, Milon expressed satisfaction with the university’s efforts to broaden access to education. He also pledged full government support to expand and develop similar inclusive education programmes.

The university described Tanisha’s success as an example of progress towards social inclusion, equal educational rights and a society free from discrimination. It expressed hope that the achievement would encourage other third-gender students to pursue higher education.