BOU holds coordination meet to improve field-level services

GAZIPUR, Oct 7: A quarterly coordination meeting was held at Bangladesh Open University (BOU) on Wednesday to improve the quality of field-level services, speed up activities and ensure quicker resolution of students' problems.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan chaired the meeting in his conference room in Gazipur. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Sirajul Islam, Treasurer Prof Dr Sheikh Rafiqul Islam, Registrar TM Ahmed Hossain, deans of different schools, directors of departments, programme officers and directors of regional centres attended.

The meeting emphasised greater use of technology to reduce students' difficulties and stronger coordination among relevant offices.

Participants discussed simplifying the certificate correction process, holding regular coordination meetings at sub-regional centres and ensuring cooperation from local administrations during examinations.

They also stressed publishing academic calendars of all schools on time, formulating an updated transfer policy for officials and employees, arranging regular training to improve staff skills, and strengthening promotional activities and branding to inform students about new programmes.

The meeting also discussed reducing admission fees further for transgender and female students and ensuring the maximum use of technology to prevent cheating in examinations.

Prof Dr Abu Taleb, director (additional charge) of the Student Support Services Department, moderated the meeting.

Listening to the complaints and suggestions of participants, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan said the university would address problems in phases on a priority basis despite limited manpower and financial resources.

“BOU is not just a factory for issuing certificates. It is an institution for earning degrees. Ensuring quality education for students is our main goal,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said the university was taking steps to introduce an e-attendance system soon alongside technological development.

He also urged all concerned to perform their duties sincerely and extend full cooperation to ensure the smooth organisation of BOU's upcoming sixth convocation and University Day.

Meanwhile, a two-day seminar organised by BOU's Liberation War Research Centre concluded on Wednesday morning.

Four researchers, along with teachers and students, attended the closing programme.

As chief guest, Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan said the history of the Liberation War must be preserved objectively and through research. He urged everyone to come forward in this regard.