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The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), opened its doors for the first time today (Sunday) to 575 students.
The long-awaited moment was met with anticipation, excitement and joy as students explored their new 17-acre, state-of-the-art, award-winning campus, said a press release of the AKDN.
Located in Bashundhara, the academy is the fourth in an integrated global network of non-profit, non-denominational, residential schools.
The Aga Khan Academies is dedicated to expanding access to education of an international standard of excellence to exceptional girls and boys regardless of their ability to pay.
Currently, 50 per cent of students across the academies receive some level of financial aid through scholarship funding.
Welcoming students, staff and parents gathering on the grounds on the momentous opening day, AKDN Diplomatic Representative for Bangladesh, Munir M Merali spoke about His Highness the Aga Khan’s vision for the Academies and the impact that its future leaders would have in the decades to come.
AKDN has been active in Bangladesh for nearly seven decades, working in areas of early childhood development, pre-tertiary education and financial services within the country.
In 2013, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and AKDN signed a Protocol of Cooperation – building off an earlier protocol signed in 1993 – to enhance the collaboration between the country and AKDN in areas of economic, cultural, and social development.
In addition to providing excellence in education, this academy will also be rooted in the local contexts of Bangladesh, with the aim of developing well-rounded, ethical homegrown leaders who will use the knowledge they have gained to enhance the quality of life in their home country.
The establishment of the new Academy has been made possible by the continued support of the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, whose vision for excellence in education has closely aligned with that of AKDN, as well as the dedicated staff and parents, all of whom have contributed to ensure that the students have access to the very best standards of education at the Academy.