Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Tuesday said Bangladesh Open University (BOU) must go beyond awarding certificates and focus on creating educational opportunities for all and developing their skills.

“Bangladesh Open University was not established merely to provide certificates; rather, it was established to create educational opportunities for everyone and make them skilled,” he said, according to a PID handout.

The Minister made these remarks at a discussion session to mark the 34th founding anniversary of BOU at the BOU campus in Gazipur.

He said many people begin their education but cannot complete it for various reasons, stressing the need to encourage them to resume their studies and create opportunities for them to do so.

He said BOU would be made more modern and relevant as part of the government's efforts to modernise the country's education system.

He said the university had opened up learning opportunities for people who could not pursue education regularly, allowing them to continue their studies regardless of age.

He also said the government had prioritised technical and vocational education to transform the country's population into a skilled workforce.

In this connection, he mentioned the recently signed Beijing Agreement, saying it would create opportunities for Bangladesh to exchange skills and expertise with China and make further progress in the sector.

Following the discussion, the Minister inaugurated the academic activities of BOU's Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET).

BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan chaired the program, while University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan attended as special guests.

Nine students were also awarded the Dean's Award for their outstanding academic results.

The Minister handed over certificates and crests to the recipients.