Notre Dame College (NDC), located in the heart of Motijheel, Dhaka, stands as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Bangladesh. Its origin dates back to November 1949, when it was established in Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka, by the Roman Catholic priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The initiative was a response to the significant crisis in the education sector in the newly-formed East Pakistan following the partition of India in 1947.

At that time, there was an acute shortage of institutions offering quality higher secondary education. Recognizing the urgent need for moral, intellectual, and academic leadership, Archbishop Lawrence L. Graner, CSC—the Archbishop of Dhaka and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church of East Pakistan—invited the Congregation of Holy Cross to found a college in Dhaka. The Holy Cross priests had already been active in educational missions, including the establishment of St. Gregory’s High School, and were seen as ideal leaders to carry forward this new endeavor.

Initially, the college was named St. Gregory College, functioning as an extension of St. Gregory’s School. However, as the college began to grow in reputation and enrollment, the need for a dedicated campus became apparent. In 1954, the college was relocated to its current site in Motijheel, a developing commercial and educational center of Dhaka. With this move came a new name: Notre Dame College, a tribute to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA—an institution also run by the Congregation of Holy Cross and alma mater of many of the college’s early faculty members.

The name Notre Dame means Our Lady in French, referring to the Virgin Mary, who is deeply revered in the Catholic tradition. This dedication to Mother Mary symbolizes purity, wisdom, and compassion—virtues that NDC strives to instill in all of its students.

From its inception, Notre Dame College was founded on two core objectives. Firstly, it aimed to provide quality higher education to Christian students in East Pakistan. Secondly—and more broadly—it sought to offer value-based, quality education to all students regardless of their background, to nurture responsible citizens who would contribute positively to the development of the country. This inclusive vision set Notre Dame College apart from other institutions of the time.

A hallmark of NDC’s mission has been its commitment to social justice. The college has always emphasized giving opportunities to students from economically disadvantaged, rural, and minority communities. By opening its doors to the underprivileged, Notre Dame College has consistently worked toward bridging the gap in access to quality education and uplifting students who might otherwise be deprived of such opportunities.

Beyond academic excellence, Notre Dame College places strong emphasis on character formation. The educational philosophy of the institution revolves around the integral development of students—fostering not only intellectual growth but also moral and spiritual maturity. Students are encouraged to develop a deep love for God, a strong sense of patriotism, and a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of wisdom. These values are cultivated through a wide range of extracurricular activities, community service programs, and religious and ethical instruction.

The college community is often referred to as the Notre Dame Family—a term that reflects the inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that defines life at NDC. Faculty members, administrative staff, and students all see themselves as part of a unified family committed to shared values and mutual growth. The spirit of the Notre Dame Family is grounded in sincerity, compassion, responsibility, and a shared vision for educational and personal excellence.

Despite its significant contributions to the nation’s education sector, Notre Dame College does not receive financial support from the government of Bangladesh. It is a fully self-financed institution, sustained by the tuition fees paid by students. This independence has allowed NDC to preserve its unique identity and values, though it also presents challenges in maintaining affordability and accessibility—challenges the college continues to address with resilience and dedication.

Notre Dame College is part of a wider global educational network led by the Congregation of Holy Cross, which also operates renowned institutions such as the University of Notre Dame (USA), King’s College, Stonehill College, and the University of Portland. This global heritage brings a distinctive dimension to the educational philosophy of NDC, combining rigorous academics with a deep commitment to ethical and spiritual values.

Today, NDC continues to thrive as a beacon of academic distinction and moral leadership. Its graduates have gone on to serve Bangladesh in diverse fields—education, science, politics, arts, business, and public service. The institution’s reputation rests not only on its impressive academic results but also on its enduring legacy of inclusivity, integrity, and nation-building.

In essence, the history of Notre Dame College is a testament to vision, faith, and dedication. It is a story of an institution that began with a small group of committed individuals and grew into a national symbol of excellence and compassion. As it moves forward, Notre Dame College remains steadfast in its mission: to educate minds, nurture hearts, and transform lives.