Bangladesh Open University
বাংলাদেশ উন্মুক্ত বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়

Job Category: Teaching/Academics
Job Source: দৈনিক ইত্তেফাক
Posted On: 13 Apr 2025
Application Deadline:9 May 2025

website: https://www.bou.ac.bd

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Karnaphuli Foundation Job Circular 2025

Bangladesh Open University (BOU): A Comprehensive Overview

1. Introduction

Education is universally recognized as the cornerstone of socio-economic development and personal empowerment. However, access to education is not equal for all, especially in developing countries where geographical, economic, and social barriers persist. To overcome such challenges, alternative methods of delivering education have become necessary. One such method is open and distance learning (ODL), and in Bangladesh, this role is primarily served by the Bangladesh Open University (BOU).

Established in 1992, the Bangladesh Open University is the only public institution in the country that provides education through open and distance learning. With a mission to “educate the mass,” BOU has significantly contributed to broadening access to education, especially among marginalized and disadvantaged groups. From general education to technical, professional, and vocational programs, BOU has developed a diversified academic portfolio that aligns with the development needs of Bangladesh.

2. Historical Background and Establishment

The idea of an open university in Bangladesh emerged from the need to address high dropout rates, regional disparities in education access, and the necessity for continuing education for adults and professionals. The government of Bangladesh recognized that traditional universities could not meet the growing demand for higher education due to infrastructural limitations.

On 21st October 1992, the Bangladesh Open University Act (Act No. 38) was passed in the parliament, officially establishing BOU as an autonomous and public institution. It was modeled after similar institutions such as the UK’s Open University and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India.

3. Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Vision:

To become a world-class open university for building a knowledge-based society in Bangladesh.

Mission:

To provide education to all segments of society irrespective of age, gender, and location, by using modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) and innovative pedagogical approaches.

Core Objectives:

• To provide access to quality education to those who cannot attend conventional institutions.
• To develop professional and vocational skills among the workforce.
• To support lifelong learning and adult education.
• To contribute to national development through human resource development.

4. Organizational Structure

BOU is a state-run institution operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. The President of Bangladesh serves as the Chancellor, while the Vice-Chancellor (VC) is the chief executive officer. The governance structure includes:

• Academic Council
• Syndicate
• Finance Committee
• Faculty Councils
• Regional and Coordinating Offices

The university’s main campus is located in Board Bazar, Gazipur, near Dhaka.

5. Academic Structure and Faculties

BOU is divided into six major faculties, each responsible for developing and offering academic programs:

5.1 School of Education (SoE):

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
• Master of Education (M.Ed)
• Certificate in Education (CEd)

5.2 School of Social Science, Humanities, and Language (SSHL):

• BA/BSS
• MA in Bangla and English
• Certificate courses in language and communication

5.3 School of Business (SoB):

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Diploma in Management

5.4 School of Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD):

• Diploma in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Agriculture Education
• Post Graduate Diploma in Agro-Meteorology

5.5 School of Science and Technology (SST):

• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Diploma in Computer Application

5.6 School of Law (SoL):

• LLB
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law

6. Academic Programs and Courses

BOU offers both formal and non-formal education programs.

Formal Programs:

These programs lead to academic degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Examples include:

• SSC and HSC equivalent programs
• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• Diploma and professional certification

Non-Formal Programs:

Aimed at awareness and skill development:

• Health and nutrition
• Agriculture techniques
• Women empowerment
• Civic education

These are typically delivered via radio, television, and printed materials.

7. Mode of Delivery

BOU employs multiple modes of delivery, including:

7.1 Printed Materials:

Each course is supported by printed modules written in simple Bangla or English for easy understanding. These serve as textbooks and self-learning guides.

7.2 Audio-Visual Aids:

Programs are broadcast on:

• Bangladesh Betar (radio)
• Sangsad Bangladesh Television (TV channel)
• BOU’s YouTube channel and online platforms

7.3 Online Learning:

BOU is increasingly moving toward digital platforms through:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• E-books, e-library
• Online quizzes and interactive content

7.4 Tutorials and Contact Sessions:

BOU provides face-to-face tutorials through its regional centers and local study centers, offering academic counseling, assignment support, and group discussions.

8. Student Population and Demographics

As of the latest data, BOU serves over 650,000 students spread across urban and rural areas, making it the largest university in Bangladesh by enrollment. Its learner base is diverse:

• Housewives
• Working professionals
• Retired individuals
• Farmers and rural youth
• Persons with disabilities

Gender distribution is relatively balanced, with many female students using BOU as a second chance for education.

9. Regional and Study Centers

BOU operates through a nationwide network of:

• 12 Regional Centers (RCs)
• 80 Sub-regional Centers (SRCs)
• 1,500+ Study Centers

These centers are the backbone of BOU’s decentralized learning system, offering administrative support, tutorials, exams, and student services.

10. Admission Process and Flexibility

Admission to BOU is open and flexible:

• No age restrictions
• Modular academic calendar
• Multiple entry points
• Affordable tuition

Admissions are announced through newspapers, the university website, and local centers. Students can apply online or through designated study centers.

11. Examination and Evaluation

BOU follows a continuous and term-end evaluation system:

• Assignments: Usually account for 30% of the final grade
• Term-End Exams: Account for 70%

Evaluation is transparent, with students allowed to see their graded scripts and appeal if necessary.

12. ICT Integration and E-Learning Initiatives

BOU has made significant strides in digital education:

• E-learning platform (bou.edu.bd) for downloading materials
• BOU mobile apps
• Virtual classes via Zoom and Google Meet
• Online exam initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic

13. Research and Development

BOU encourages research in:

• Distance learning methods
• Adult education
• ICT-based education
• Curriculum development

It publishes academic journals and encourages faculty and student participation in national and international conferences.

14. Challenges Faced by BOU

14.1 Technological Barriers:

Despite digital initiatives, many learners lack internet access or digital literacy.

14.2 Perception Issues:

Some employers and educators view distance education as inferior, though this is gradually changing.

14.3 Funding Constraints:

Limited funding hampers expansion of facilities, faculty recruitment, and research output.

14.4 Content Updating:

Keeping course materials up-to-date and relevant is a continuous challenge.

15. Social Impact and Contributions

BOU has made enormous contributions to:

• Literacy and education equity
• Women’s empowerment
• Skill development in agriculture and industry
• Second-chance education

It has provided pathways for students who had dropped out or could not pursue traditional education due to marriage, work, or other personal challenges.

16. International Collaborations

BOU is a member of several international organizations:

• Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
• Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
• International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)

It collaborates on joint research, curriculum development, and faculty exchange.

17. Future Plans and Roadmap

BOU has outlined a long-term strategic plan, including:

• Full digitization of course materials
• Expansion of post-graduate programs
• Strengthening partnerships with industries
• Enhancing employability skills of graduates
• Establishing a digital university within BOU

18. Notable Alumni and Faculty

BOU alumni have excelled in diverse fields—government, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Many faculty members are recognized scholars, authors, and experts in distance education.

19. Comparison with Other Open Universities

20. Conclusion

The Bangladesh Open University stands as a beacon of inclusive education in the country. By harnessing the power of distance learning and technology, it has opened doors for millions of learners who otherwise would have been left behind. In a rapidly changing world, the role of institutions like BOU becomes even more critical for ensuring equitable access to education and sustainable national development.

With continued investment in technology, faculty development, and international collaboration, BOU is poised to play a leading role not just in Bangladesh, but also in the global discourse on open and distance learning.