Ashraful Alam Mondol: Bangladesh Open University (BOU) celebrated ‘Nazrul Year’ with a special discussion and prize-giving ceremony, highlighting the educational philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and its relevance to inclusive and lifelong learning.

The event was held at the university’s Central Conference and Training Centre on its main campus in Gazipur on Monday, with State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam attending as the chief guest.

Presided over by BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, the programme brought together university officials, teachers, employees and students to reflect on Nazrul’s literary legacy, humanist ideals and vision of universal education.

Addressing the event, the state minister said BOU was established to expand educational opportunities for people from all walks of life, overcoming the limitations of conventional university education.

Founded in 1992 at the initiative of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the university now provides educational opportunities to more than 300,000 students, he said.

Emphasising the importance of Nazrul Year, Khaiyam said the initiative would help introduce the younger generation to the poet’s life, literature and creative works.

He also stressed that culture should not be confined to music and entertainment but should reflect a nation`s collective thoughts, values, behaviour, traditions and way of life.

Calling for the development of Bangladesh`s cultural identity free from political influence, he announced that a National Cultural Festival would be organised from December.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan highlighted the close connection between Nazrul`s educational philosophy and the founding principles of BOU.

He said Nazrul envisioned education beyond the boundaries of conventional institutions, emphasising lifelong learning and equal access to knowledge.

The vice-chancellor said BOU was the country`s second-largest university in terms of student enrolment and had expanded its educational activities beyond Bangladesh to seven other countries.

He added that the university would continue its efforts to familiarise the younger generation with Nazrul`s life, literary contributions and ideals through the celebration of Nazrul Year.

A research paper titled ‘Kazi Nazrul Islam`s Educational Philosophy and the Founding Vision of Open University’ was presented by Md Jehad Uddin, a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, joint secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Nazrul researcher.

In his presentation, he highlighted Nazrul`s philosophy of equality, human emancipation, human dignity, a discrimination-free society and universal education.

He observed that Nazrul considered the ultimate purpose of education to be the creation of enlightened human beings rather than merely producing job seekers or certificate holders. This vision, he said, closely corresponded with the fundamental philosophy of open and distance education.

BOU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Anisur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Md Sirajul Islam and Treasurer Professor Dr Sheikh Rafiqul Islam also addressed the programme as distinguished guests.

Professor Tanvir Ahsan, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages (SSHHL) and convener of the organising committee, delivered the welcome address, while Acting Registrar T M Ahmed Hossain offered the vote of thanks.

The programme was conducted by Md Saraf Uddin Khan, Senior Video Specialist (Grade-I) of the university`s Media Division.

Following the discussion, competitions in singing, poetry recitation and acting were organised as part of the Nazrul Year celebrations. Winners in the three categories received awards from the chief guest and the vice-chancellor.

The celebration underscored the enduring relevance of Nazrul`s humanist and educational ideals, particularly the need to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of social or economic background.