Abdullah Al Imran, Bagerhat
Founded in 1878, Bagerhat Bahumukhi Collegiate School has yet to be nationalised despite its 148-year contribution to education. Its principal, teachers, current and former students, and local residents are urging the government to nationalise the institution to improve educational standards and expand access for students from low- and middle-income families.
Situated on the bank of the Bhairab River, the institution has been known by various names, including Bagerhat High School, Bagerhat School and Town School. Its centenary was celebrated in 1978. In 2012, after receiving permission to offer classes XI and XII, it became known as Bagerhat Bahumukhi Collegiate School. It now has around 1,200 students and 47 teachers and staff.
Class X student Nila Akter said she felt proud to study at the district’s oldest school, adding that nationalisation would allow students from low- and middle-income families to study at lower cost.
Class VIII student Shovon said students had won awards at national level, enhancing the institution’s reputation. He urged the government to nationalise the school promptly.
Mohammad Mustak Ahmed, a lecturer in the Accounting Department, said the school had a strong record in sports, cultural events and national-level debate competitions. Notable former students include cricketer Rubel Ahmed and Bangladesh national football team player Topu. He hoped nationalisation would further strengthen academic and extracurricular activities.
Former student and former principal Khan Saleh Ahmed, who passed his matriculation examination from the institution in 1961, recalled the teachers’ dedication to students. He expressed disappointment that the nearly 150-year-old school remained outside the nationalisation programme despite its historical significance.
Educationist Professor Chowdhury Abdur Rab, another former student who passed his matriculation examination there in 1969, said the school was formerly known as High English School. He called for prompt nationalisation to improve educational standards.
MA Salam, president of the school’s management committee, said the institution had served the region for 148 years and expressed hope that the government would take steps to nationalise it.
Principal Farhana Akter said the school continued to lack expected facilities despite its long history and achievements. She said the necessary documents and information had been submitted to the Ministry of Education in support of nationalisation, in line with the current government’s election pledges.
She added that nationalisation would improve facilities and educational standards, enabling the institution to contribute further to the country.
Teachers, students, former students and local residents hope the government will nationalise the school in recognition of its 148-year heritage and contribution to education in the southern region. #EK