Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has called on Bangladesh Open University (BOU) to become an effective institution for developing skilled human resources through technology-driven, employment-oriented and lifelong learning programmes.
He made the call at the university's 34th founding anniversary celebration at its main campus in Gazipur on Wednesday.
The minister said BOU's mission should go beyond awarding certificates to developing the potential of people deprived of educational opportunities and ensuring lifelong learning for all.
He stressed the need to assess the university's achievements over the past 34 years based on reliable data on educational quality, students' skills and graduates' contributions to the workplace.
He also urged the university to strengthen its distinctive open and distance learning model rather than compete directly with conventional universities. Improving curricula and assessment methods, preventing examination irregularities and ensuring the appropriate use of artificial intelligence should also be priorities, he said.
The minister emphasised expanding technical and employment-oriented education to transform the country's large population into a skilled workforce. He called for effective use of existing infrastructure, learning from international experience and research-based planning.
At the event, he inaugurated BOU's Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET).
The university also presented its first-ever Dean's Awards to nine students who achieved outstanding results in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. A postgraduate student from the transgender community received a commemorative crest in recognition of academic achievement.
The programme was chaired by BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan. University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Anisur Rahman attended as special guests, while former Dhaka University vice-chancellor and Professor Emeritus Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury delivered the keynote address.
In his remarks, the vice-chancellor said BOU had grown from offering a single academic programme to operating 55 programmes over its 34-year journey.
He said the university was shifting its focus from increasing enrolment and awarding certificates to expanding knowledge-based, technology-driven, skills-oriented and innovation-focused education.
Plans are underway to introduce or expand career-oriented programmes in information technology, artificial intelligence, graphic design, entrepreneurship development, and Korean and Japanese languages, he added.
He also highlighted initiatives to improve academic standards, revive discontinued journals and strengthen digital learning systems.
Keynote speaker Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury said BOU had made significant contributions to expanding educational opportunities for working people, women, rural communities and those outside the conventional education system.
He called for improved academic standards, greater use of information technology, expanded research and innovation, employment-oriented programmes and student-centred services. He also urged stronger collaboration with domestic and international universities to enhance BOU's academic quality and global standing.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed highlighted the university's achievements and future potential, stressing the need to use its extensive network and technological infrastructure to expand quality, skills-based and employment-oriented education.
He also emphasised modernising academic and administrative systems in line with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The day-long celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag, the university flag and flags of its seven schools. The programme also featured a colourful rally, an art exhibition, a documentary screening, a discussion session and a cultural event.
BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Md Sirajul Islam delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer Professor Dr Sheikh Rafiqul Islam gave the vote of thanks. Acting Registrar TM Ahmed Hossain moderated the programme.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and representatives of several universities, including Islamic University of Technology and Dhaka Central University, also attended the event.
