Rajshahi Cadet College (RCC), located from
Rajshahi, is a prestigious institution known for its discipline, academic excellence, and leadership training. The foundation stone was laid on 6 November 1964 by
Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan, the then
President of Pakistan. The college was officially inaugurated on 11 February 1966 as
Ayub Cadet College by the
Governor of East Pakistan,
Abdul Monem Khan. Following the
Bangladesh War of Independence, the college was renamed to
Rajshahi Cadet College.
Involvement in the War The Independence War in 1971, had strong effects at the then Ayub Cadet College (now Rajshahi Cadet College). Under the leadership of the first Bengali Principal, M. Bakiatullah, along with Adjutant Capt. Md. Abdur Rashid, several faculty members, staff, and cadets actively participated in the movement. They engaged in non-violent protests and the non-cooperation movement, preparing for more challenging circumstances. In secret, they forged connections with the 'Chhatro Sangram Parishad' and political leaders, collaborating with members of the EPR from the Yusufpur Camp to strategize armed resistance. Senior cadets played an instrumental role by contacting Rajshahi University's 'Chhatro Sangram Parishad' leaders and some even secretly left campus to join the political processions. As the situation became increasingly dire, the authorities decided to close Rajshahi Cadet College on 9 March 1971, sending the cadets home. Yet, many cadets, such as Shaheed Cadet S.A. Momin, Shaheed Cadet Abdul Mannaf, Shaheed Cadet Abdullah Al Mamun, and Shaheed Cadet Md Zakaria, returned to fight for independence. Some senior cadets chose to stay in Rajshahi, directly engaging in the movement. These cadets, along with their fellow fighters, are commemorated on the college's Honor Board. Meanwhile, 'Mukti Sangram Parishad' was formed, with the vice principal of the then Sardah Police Academy (
Bangladesh Police Academy), Mr. Barua, as the president, Awami League leader Mr. Azizur Rahman as the secretary, and Subedar Mohammad Mojibur Rahman as the commander. Members of Rajshahi Cadet College joined the freedom fighters, collaborating with local students, police, Ansar, EPR, and Mujahid members. Armed with 303 rifles from the cadet college and over 600 rifles from the Sardah Police Academy, they took up positions in bunkers near the Sardah-Rajshahi road to resist the advancing enemy forces. The deteriorating political climate led to further acceleration of the movement. On 23 March 1971, Rajshahi Cadet College, like many other places in the country, replaced the Pakistani flag with the Bangladeshi flag, and the institution was renamed 'Muktarpur Cadet College'. That evening, a large procession, led by Principal M. Bakiatullah and Adjutant Capt. Abdur Rashid, marched through the college and neighboring areas. The entire college community, except for a few, united with the local population to oppose Pakistani rule. On the evening of 27 March, Capt. Abdur Rashid, along with faculty and staff, took the responsibility of continuing the fight in southern Rajshahi.
Cadet S.A. Momin, on leave, fought in the frontlines of Bogura but was captured, tortured, and martyred by Pakistani forces on 29 March 1971, becoming the first cadet martyr in Bangladesh's history. Cadet Md Zakaria, also on leave, prepared to join Muktibahini in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, but was killed in a surprise attack on his family. Similarly, Cadet Abdullah Al Mamun fought gallantly in Sector-7, West Dinajpur, Naogaon, where he died. On 30 March, Principal M. Bakiatullah traveled to Baharampur, crossing the Padma River, to manage a refugee camp. He later joined the 'Youth Camp' in Calcutta, where he trained fighters.
Traditions The college celebrates its founding day annually on 11 February. ==Infrastructure==