Third-gender student makes history with BOU MSS degree

GAZIPUR, Oct 31: Tanisha Yasmin Choiti has set a milestone in inclusive higher education by becoming the first third-gender student to earn a postgraduate degree from Bangladesh Open University (BOU).

She completed a Master of Social Science (MSS) in Sociology under the university’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Language, securing a CGPA of 3.30 out of 4.00 in the 2023�"24 academic year.

In recognition of her achievement, Tanisha was presented with a special honorary crest at a programme marking BOU’s 34th founding anniversary on October 28.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon handed her the crest as the chief guest at the event, which was presided over by BOU VC Prof Dr Md Siddiqur Rahman Khan.

University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed attended the programme as a special guest.

Tanisha’s achievement marks a significant step towards greater inclusion and access to higher education for third-gender people in Bangladesh.