Bangladesh Open University Profile
The need for an Open University in Bangladesh was felt long ago. The history of distance education in Bangladesh dates back to 1956, when the education Directorate was assigned with the responsibility for distribution of 200 radio receivers to educational institutions. This led to the creation of an Audio-Visual Cell and later the Audio-Visual Education Centre (AVEC in 1962). No further progress in distance education was made till 1971.
After Independence Bangladesh faced the challenge of meeting the educational needs of mass people. To meet this challenge the necessity for a new mode of education was widely felt. As a sequel to that feeling, the School Broadcasting Pilot Project (SBP) was launched in 1978. Later in 1983, the project was transformed into National Institute of Educational Media and Technology (NIEMT).
NIEMT was later replaced by the Bangladesh Institute of Distance Education (BIDE) in 1985. Apart from producing audio-visual materials, BIDE offered the Bachelor of Education (B Ed) program in distance mode. The success of BIDE encouraged policy makers to take up a major plan for establishing an open university. The plan became a reality in October 1992 when the Bangladesh Open University Act 1992 was passed in the Parliament.
Objectives of the University
Bangladesh Open University (BOU) is the only public institution in the country that imparts education in distance mode. In place of campus based teaching, this university uses technology including electronic devices to reach people in different corners of the country. The learner in this system is not restricted by time, space or age. A learner can think and learn at his own will, at his own place and at any time whenever he/she feels free to learn.
The main objective of the university is to expand all levels of education in different dimensions in science, agriculture, humanities, social science etc. and all other that come under the purview of human knowledge and understanding by diversity of means including the use of digital technology. It intends to provide opportunities of education to all classes of people and create efficient and skilled manpower by improving the quality of education.
As it is obvious from the objectives, BOU has opened a new horizon for the vast majority of eager learners of Bangladesh who for various reasons drop out of the conventional system of education. BOU serves another target group who wishes to continue to update their knowledge by becoming a life long learner. By imparting knowledge and skill to them, BOU is contributing to human resource development in the country.
In the national education arena this university therefore carries enormous responsibilities and possibilities. BOU is the only Institution in the country which can contribute a lot in fulfilling the objective of the Government regarding eradication of illiteracy from the country.
Main Campus: Board Bazar, Gazipur
| Type | Public University |
| Area | 35 acres |
| Established | October 21, 1992 |
| Chancellor | Mohammed Shahabuddin Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Dr. Syed Humayun Akhter |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) | Professor Dr. Nasim Banu |
| Pro-Vice-Chancellor(Academic) | Professor Dr. Mahbuba Nasreen |
| Treasurer | Professor Mostafa Azad Kamal |
| Academic Schools | 6 |
| Administrative Divisions | 11 |
| Regional Centers | 12 |
| Sub-Regional Centers | 80 |
| Study Centers | 1550 |
| Formal Program | 64 |
| Non Formal Program | 19 |
| Total Students (Formal Programs) | 672859 (Cumulative as of 31/12/2021) |
| Total Teachers (Full-time) | 137 |
| Teachers/Tutors (Adjunct) | 24067 |
