Professor Mahbuba Nasreen, PhD

It is my distinct privilege to be a part of the prestigious Bangladesh Open University (BOU) family in my capacity as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Bangladesh Open University is dedicated to a noble vision — ensuring access to education for all through open and distance learning while striving for excellence in higher education. Our overarching aim is to cultivate a knowledge-based society through the pursuit of educational excellence.

Bangladesh Open University stands as a unique institution within our nation, offering a wide spectrum of educational opportunities. This encompasses ICT-based open and distance learning, as well as face-to-face education. The university is guided by an inclusive and intersectional approach, ensuring that no one is left behind. Our mission is to provide open and lifelong quality education, meticulously tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, (dis)ability, or other distinctions. Many of our students have faced challenges that interrupted their educational journeys at various junctures. The authority of Bangladesh Open University, faculties, administrative units of different schools, divisions, regions, and sub-regions serve the students with guidance, academic support, and assistance to help them advance in both academic and professional realms. The goal is to empower learners not only academically but also professionally.

The educational network of Bangladesh Open University encompasses a wide expanse, comprising twelve regional centers, eighty sub-regional centers, and an impressive 1,812 operational study centers (as of 2023). Furthermore, approximately 1,545 study centers are currently in the process of securing approval to commence their academic initiatives.

Access to education is a constitutional right of every citizen in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, numerous individuals are compelled to discontinue their educational journey due to various social and economic challenges they confront. Bangladesh Open University (BOU) stands as a beacon of support, dedicated to quenching their thirst for knowledge. BOU employs an outcome-focused, ICT-driven, open, distance, and modular curriculum, extending a welcoming hand to dropouts and professionals from all walks of life, allowing them to rejoin the educational sphere on their terms. Its reach extends from the heart of the nation to its far-flung and previously inaccessible regions.

Moreover, in recent years, BOU has witnessed a growing enrollment of remittance earners residing in the Middle East and even European countries, enabling them to fulfill their educational aspirations through distance learning. A well-equipped E-learning Centre, a repository of open educational resources, a robust learning management system, E-books, social media engagement via Facebook, micro SD card-based learning materials, web radio, and web television are among the advanced technologies harnessed by BOU to disseminate knowledge to learners.

At Bangladesh Open University, a deep commitment exists to equipping students with the knowledge and skills essential for their success. The belief is that education should be a beacon of opportunity for every corner of our society. Together, we are working towards a brighter future for Bangladesh through the provision of accessible, high-quality education.