Notre Dame College, Dhaka, was founded in November 1949 in Lakshmibazar, Dhaka by the Roman Catholic priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross. It was born out of a profound need to address the educational crisis facing the newly established East Pakistan. At the invitation of Archbishop Lawrence L. Graner, CSC—the Archbishop of Dhaka and a leading figure of the Catholic Church in East Pakistan—the Congregation took on the mission of founding and guiding an institution dedicated to higher learning.

Initially known as St. Gregory College, an academic extension of the esteemed St. Gregory’s School (also established by the Congregation), the college moved to its present campus in Motijheel in 1954. There it was renamed Notre Dame College—a heartfelt tribute to the University of Notre Dame in the United States, the alma mater of many of its founding faculty members. “Notre Dame,” meaning “Our Lady” in French, honors Mother Mary and symbolizes the college’s commitment to grace, wisdom, and compassion.

From its inception, Notre Dame College has stood on two noble pillars: to offer Christian students a high-quality college education, and to provide holistic, value-based education to all students with the aim of nurturing responsible citizens devoted to the progress of their nation. Rooted in the ideals of social justice, the college places special emphasis on reaching students from economically disadvantaged, rural, ethnic, and socially marginalized backgrounds—ensuring that no aspiring mind is left behind due to circumstance.

The college seeks not only academic excellence but also the formation of character. Its educational philosophy inspires students to love God, serve their country, and seek wisdom in all pursuits. A strong focus is placed on moral and spiritual development, ensuring that each student is shaped into a person of integrity, compassion, and responsibility.

Notre Dame College is more than an institution; it is a family. Within this Notre Dame Family, students, teachers, administrative, and support staff work hand in hand, bound by mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common purpose—the integral formation of the student. This spirit of community imbues every aspect of campus life with sincerity, competence, and heartfelt care.

The true glory of Notre Dame lies not solely in its outstanding academic achievements, but in the doors it opens for the poor, underprivileged, and tribal youth from across the nation. Despite receiving no government funding, the college continues its noble mission through tuition fees and, when necessary, support from the Congregation of Holy Cross in the form of loans and grants.

Notre Dame College stands as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and excellence—lighting the way for generations to come.