On 28 October 2026, Bangladesh Open University (BOU) celebrated its 34th founding anniversary with a colourful programme. The day-long events were held at the university’s main campus in Gazipur. Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Minister of Education and of Primary and Mass Education, attended as chief guest.
During the programme, the university announced the formal inauguration of a new institute, the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET). For the first time in BOU’s history, nine outstanding students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes received the Dean’s Award. A special commemorative crest was also presented to Tanisha Yasmin Chaiti, the first transgender student to earn an MSS (Social Science) degree from Bangladesh Open University, in recognition of her unique academic achievement.
Speaking at the event, the Education Minister referred to the transgender graduate and praised her achievement, and also congratulated the university’s new Vice-Chancellor for working with transgender people. He said:
“The person who came from the transgender [community], I congratulated her twice. This is very much appreciable. At the same time, I asked the chairman of the UGC, what is the percentage of transgender people? He immediately did a Google search and said, less than one per cent. Every minute I want to make it usable.”
“So, I must congratulate the new VC, who is working on the transgender people. This needs more campaigning, because this society is a developing society. We are living in a global village. Everybody knows what is going on in other countries and other stages. We can no longer remain in taboo.”
References
- YouTube — Video of the Education Minister’s remarks at the Bangladesh Open University 34th founding anniversary programme.
Watch the video on YouTube
