Early history In 1947, following the partition of India, the newly established government of
Pakistan made a formal request to the head of the
Catholic Congregation to initiate the establishment of several colleges. At the government's invitation, Archbishop
Lawrence Leo Graner directed the Congregation of Holy Cross priests to establish distinct colleges for boys and girls. On 3 November 1949, "St. Gregory's College" emerged within the premises of St. Gregory's High School at 82, Municipal Office Street, Laxmibazar, Dhaka. Founded by the Roman Catholic clergy community, the college commenced with 19 students enrolled in the Arts and Commerce departments. In December 1950, the establishment relocated to 61/1 Subhash Bose Avenue, Laxmibazar. During that year, the college obtained affiliation with Dhaka University. Among the students admitted in 1951 was
Kamal Hossain, who later became foreign minister of Bangladesh. By 1953, he achieved the top position in the Higher Secondary Examination across East Pakistan. In 1950, under the
University of Dhaka, eight students undertook an examination, with five achieving success in the first division. By 1951, the institution's student count reached 55. During that year, college students performed
William Shakespeare's
The Tempest for three consecutive nights on the premises of
St. Gregory's High School. Notably, among the students in 1952 was
Sirajul Islam Chowdhury. In 1953,
Richard William Timm initiated the inaugural debating club in the then East Pakistan, known as the Notre Dame Debating Club. During the academic year 1952–53, Notre Dame College received Dhaka University's approval to commence BA classes. Subsequently, in the academic year 1953–54, Principal Richard William Timm inaugurated the college's first science department, conducting practical sessions within a tin room adjacent to the main building. Notably, on 18 September 1954, Richard William Timm established the subcontinent's pioneering non-formal institution dedicated to the pursuit of science, named the "Notre Dame Science Club." The inclusion of a BSc course occurred in 1960. In response to a faculty shortage that year, volunteers affiliated with the British
Volunteer Service Overseas served at Notre Dame College from 1963 to 1970. Following the completion of the new building in 1960, Principal James L. Martin succumbed to typhoid at Dhaka's Holy Family Hospital on 21 March. In his honor, the newly constructed building was christened "Father Martin Hall".
Theotonius Amal Ganguly succeeded James Martin as the first Bengali principal. However, after seven months in this role, he ascended to the position of assistant bishop of
Archdiocese of Dhaka, eventually becoming the first Bengali bishop and
archbishop of Dhaka. On
14 December 1971, two young doctors from
Dhaka Medical College Hospital,
Azharul Haque and Humayun Kabir, were abducted from their homes by
Al-Badr forces, mercilessly tortured, and their dead bodies were found near Notre Dame College. From 1954 to 1971,
I.Com was discontinued in the college, only to be resumed later. By the academic year 1972–73,
BCom courses replaced the full-time BSc courses. Following the War of Independence, Principal Richard William Timm left his teaching role, engaging actively in the nation's reconstruction efforts. He contributed significantly to the country's relief, and rehabilitation, and championed human rights initiatives through non-governmental development organizations. Concurrently, students from Notre Dame College, accompanied by teachers, ventured to remote regions in support of relief and rehabilitation endeavours on behalf of the institution. In 1973, a devastating flood struck Bangladesh, leading to the closure of the college. The institution's workforce was dedicated to relief efforts. Under Principal Richard Timm's leadership, the "
CORR" relief and rehabilitation organization was established. Daily meals were provided for approximately 1,500 individuals. During the subsequent
flood and famine in 1974, the college administration continued aiding the government in managing the crisis. Principal Richard William Timm received the
Magsaysay Award in 1987, honouring his outstanding service. In 1992, the college became affiliated with the
National University, and in 1997, English was reinstated as the medium of instruction. == Exposition ==