Initiated in 2000, the three-year courses divided into six semesters were scheduled to finish this year, but students allege only three semesters have so far been completed.

"We were supposed to graduate this year but session jams created due to delay in publication of books and results will delay our graduation," said Zakir Ahmed, a 4th semester student.

"We got into the programme with great aspirations to graduate in time, but our hopes have been shredded by the apathy of the BOU authorities in publication of books and exam results," said Ataur Rahman, another 4th semester BOU student.

Dean of the BOU Dr Abdur Rashid acknowledged the delay, but said: "We have already overcome the situation and things will be okay from the next semester."

"We do not use books available in the market but rather publish customised books through special arrangements with reputed professors of the public university in order to maintain quality. This sometimes causes delay," Dr Rashid told The Daily Star.

About reasons behind the session jam, Professor MA Razzaq, pro-vice-chancellor of the BOU, said: "We have to arrange for classes and examinations to be held every Friday as most students are service holders."

"Moreover, we have to postpone classes and examinations due to various government service examinations and special days, " he added.

Dr Ershadul Bari, vice-chancellor of the BOU, however, put the problem down to lack of any academic calendar in the past.

"We have launched an academic calendar from June so the academic activities are run smoothly," said Dr Bari, adding financial penalties have also been introduced for delay in evaluation of examination papers.