The Bangladesh Open University (BOU), established in 1992, is the only public university in Bangl... more The Bangladesh Open University (BOU), established in 1992, is the only public university in Bangladesh devoted to open and distance learning (ODL). As an institution with nationwide reach, BOU plays a crucial role in democratizing education by making it accessible to students from rural areas, workingclass backgrounds, and other marginalized groups who are often excluded from the conventional education system. This paper presents a comprehensive situation analysis of BOU by examining its institutional reach, teaching and learning methods, contributions to national education, and the challenges it faces. The analysis shows that while BOU has expanded access to education for millions, it continues to struggle with issues such as inadequate technological infrastructure, outdated curriculum delivery, high dropout rates, weak quality assurance mechanisms, and limited faculty development. The study proposes a roadmap for reform that emphasizes digital transformation, enhanced student support systems, improved curriculum alignment with labor market demands, and stronger governance and funding mechanisms. The findings suggest that by embracing innovation and modernization, BOU can play a leading role in achieving Bangladesh's national education goals and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on inclusive and equitable education.
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Papers by Tohidul Islam