Manarat International School and College: Dedicated to Shaping Exemplary Citizens with Excellence
Since its founding, Manarat Dhaka International School and College (MDIC) has remained steadfast in its mission to nurture individuals of integrity, competence, and strong moral character. Established in 1979 under the aegis of the Manarat Trust in Dhaka’s upscale Gulshan area, the institution offers a comprehensive educational programme spanning playgroup to A-levels. Presently, MDIC caters to approximately 4,000 students hailing from the capital and various districts across Bangladesh, supported by a committed faculty of 250 educators. Beyond academic rigour, the institution places a premium on skill development, ethical grounding, and fostering principled individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.
MDIC is equally devoted to promoting students’ mental well-being and physical fitness. In a recent initiative, the school organised a dynamic inter-school football tournament featuring 18 prominent institutions from Dhaka, which concluded on January 11. Held across three categories, the event was marked by enthusiastic participation and a festive atmosphere, reflecting MDIC’s commitment to holistic student development through extracurricular engagement.
Insights gathered from students and parents underscore MDIC’s reputation as a leading English-medium institution in Dhaka. Its alumni have garnered widespread acclaim for their achievements in national and international spheres, attesting to the school’s high standards. Saifur Rahman, a senior lecturer in the Bangla department, told The Daily Campus, “At Manarat, students not only acquire academic knowledge but also imbibe robust ethical values and moral principles. Unlike certain English-medium schools where moral lapses are a growing concern, MDIC stands as a beacon of exception. Our foremost priority is to mould students into compassionate and responsible human beings. Parents, particularly from affluent backgrounds, often express concerns about their children’s moral grounding, but MDIC addresses this with unwavering dedication.”
Rafat Shams, a recent A-level graduate who earned a full tuition waiver for admission to the University of Texas, credits MDIC’s comprehensive support for his success. “Manarat provided invaluable guidance throughout my higher education journey, from navigating application processes to selecting universities. To aspiring students, my advice is clear: if you seek excellence, Manarat is the ideal choice,” he stated.
Shah Shehzad, an eighth-grade student, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Among English-medium schools, Manarat is unparalleled. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities. I’ve honed my presentation skills here, which have significantly enhanced my ability to connect with others. In sports, Manarat outshines its peers, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided.”
Nestled in the serene environs of Gulshan Lake, MDIC began operations in a rented facility but has since expanded into a sprawling 2.7-acre campus, featuring three multi-storey academic buildings and two expansive sports fields. The institution boasts a storied legacy in debates and sports, with notable achievements including representing Bangladesh at the World Championship Debate in Wales, UK, in 2006 and securing the runner-up position at the SAARC Debate Championship in New Delhi in 2008. Furthermore, MDIC’s football team made its mark at the Gothia Cup 2016 in China, finishing third in Group 4 and advancing to the semi-finals in the B playoffs.
A distinctive feature of MDIC’s curriculum is its mandatory inclusion of Islamic Studies from playgroup to eighth grade and Arabic language up to sixth grade. The principal asserts that this unique educational framework has yielded significant dividends, fostering a balanced blend of academic excellence, moral grounding, and cultural awareness.
Brigadier General (Retd.) S.M. Mahbub-ul-Alam, the principal, elaborated, “MDIC’s legacy extends beyond academics; we have an exemplary record of success across diverse domains. Unlike many schools in Dhaka that lack adequate sports infrastructure, we provide a nurturing environment that steers students away from negative influences such as substance abuse and delinquency. For over a decade, our inter-school football tournament has been a flagship event, fostering camaraderie and significantly contributing to students’ mental and physical well-being. This year, 18 English-medium schools from across Dhaka participated in a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere, and we successfully executed the event with distinction.”
He further noted, “Manarat is resolute in its commitment to delivering quality education while instilling unwavering moral values. Our mission transcends commercial objectives; we aim to contribute to society by nurturing exemplary citizens. Since 1979, MDIC has pursued this goal with precision and dedication. As pioneers in integrating English and Arabic education in Bangladesh, we strive to equip students with Quranic knowledge to lead principled lives. Our curriculum, with mandatory Islamic Studies up to eighth grade and Arabic up to sixth grade, distinguishes us as a unique institution, and its positive impact is evident in our students’ achievements.”
The principal also highlighted MDIC’s consistent success in securing admissions for its students at prestigious global universities, with an increasing number pursuing higher education abroad. The institution remains equally committed to preparing students for careers in science and technology, as evidenced by its top rankings in competitive platforms. “Each year, a significant number of our students gain entry to renowned international universities, and this trend continues to grow. Our focus on equipping students with skills in science and technology, coupled with their stellar performance in competitions, underscores MDIC’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” he affirmed.
