BOU inaugurates sub regional centre in Paikgacha Khulna

As part of its education outreach, the Bangladesh Open University (BOU) today inaugurated a sub-regional centre in Paikgacha upazila, Khulna.

The event was held at the seminar hall of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute in Paikgacha.

Declaring the centre open as chief guest, Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of BOU, said: "Bangladesh Open University has been working tirelessly to take education to people's doorsteps in remote areas. With the opening of the Paikgacha sub-regional centre, a new chapter begins, creating wider access to higher education for coastal students."
He added: "I am here as a teacher, not as a politician. Established on 21 October 1992, the university is entering its 33rd year with a mission to expand education among marginalised communities through distance learning so that neither age nor occupation becomes a barrier."
Citing the example of a 75-year-old student who completed a BA, he said lifelong learning is now a reality

. Emphasising academic integrity, he stated, "Open does not mean copying; it means delivering quality education to every home."
The VC noted that, alongside BA and MA, BOU now offers certificate and diploma courses in agriculture, fisheries, poultry, IT and technical fields to help learners become entrepreneurs as well as job-seekers. He said BOU currently operates 12 regional and 80 sub-regional centres nationwide, and that the Paikgacha–Koyra area will now benefit from services enabling coastal residents to study from home. He also highlighted that all financial transactions are now online, session jams have largely eased, and the process for obtaining certificates and ID cards has improved. He pledged to uphold academic standards, prevent malpractice and help develop skilled human resources.

Anwar Al-Din, Chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), attended as special guest. He said the new centre meets a longstanding local aspiration and lauded the VC's efforts in advancing public welfare through education. He added that Professor Obaidul Islam's leadership has enhanced Bangladesh's reputation internationally and would open new horizons in the education sector.

Md Fazle Rabbi, Assistant Commissioner (Land), Paikgacha; and Professor Samaresh Roy, Principal of Paikgacha Government College, also spoke as special guests.

The programme was presided over by Professor Saeed Ferdous, PhD, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), BOU, who said BOU is a service-oriented institution committed to taking education to the doorsteps of ordinary people, not merely a certificate-issuing body. He stressed accountability to the public, continuous service-quality improvement despite constraints, and the need for collective support. He expressed hope that the new centre would help build responsible citizens and contribute to the country's envisioned future.

The welcome address was delivered by Professor Md Anisur Rahman, Registrar (additional charge), BOU. Coordinators of study centres under the Paikgacha sub-regional centre, tutors and local leaders also spoke. The event was conducted by Md Mahfuz-ul-Alam, Acting Director, Planning and Development, BOU.

Teachers, students, directors, regional directors, joint directors, officials, staff, media professionals, local administration and community dignitaries were present. After the programme, guests visited the new centre's offices and interacted with teachers, students and local residents.