Dhaka College is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent, established on November 20, 1841. It began as Dacca Central College, evolving from the earlier Dhaka Government School (English Seminary) founded in 1835. The college initially operated with just three rooms at the English Seminary School building. The foundation stone for a dedicated college building at Sadarghat was laid by Daniel Wilson, Bishop of Calcutta, in 1841, with the building completed by 1844.
Dhaka College became a center for higher education in East Bengal, offering honors and master’s programs, and played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the region. It was originally affiliated with the University of Calcutta and later with the University of Dhaka after its establishment in 1921. The college contributed significantly to the establishment of Dhaka University, transferring movable and immovable properties, faculty, students, and infrastructure to it to support the university’s academic activities.
The college moved locations several times, from the original site near Sadarghat to a more spacious building near Victoria Park in 1873 and then to Curzon Hall in 1908. It became a full-fledged residential college with hostels and separate science buildings, fostering academic excellence. After losing much of its property to Dhaka University in 1921, Dhaka College was relocated to its current campus in the New Market area in 1955, spanning approximately 18.57 acres.
Throughout its history, Dhaka College has educated numerous notable figures and contributed to national movements and academic progress. It remains a key institution for higher education in Bangladesh, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses and continuing its legacy of academic and cultural leadership.
Dhaka College’s establishment during British colonial rule marked a significant step in spreading modern education in Bengal and remains a symbol of educational heritage in Bangladesh.