Dr. Dewan Azad Rahman: The historic Government Laboratory High School, Dhaka, was established on 3 September 1961. This year marks the completion of 65 glorious years of the institution. For more than half a century, the school has spread the radiant light of education not only throughout the country but also to many parts of the world. Although it was founded as a research-oriented institution where trainee teachers of Dhaka Teachers’ Training College could practise classroom teaching, it later came to serve as a model and milestone for educational institutions across Bangladesh. The school is situated in Dhanmondi, at the heart of modern Dhaka, on the southern side of Road No. 1, adjacent to Dhaka College and Teachers’ Training College, Dhaka. Through the talent, vision and tireless dedication of its founding headmaster, Khan Muhammad Salek, the school was able to reach the pinnacle of fame within a very short time.
In 1964, the school participated in the SSC examination for the first time, and one of its students secured fourth place in the Education Board, beginning a remarkable journey of success. In the years that followed, several students regularly secured positions on the SSC merit list. The school’s results in 1993 were especially outstanding: its students captured 17 of the 20 positions on the merit list. Even after the introduction of the GPA-5 system, the school has been able to maintain its earlier standard. Although it does not have an excessively large student population like many private institutions, its average academic performance remains highly enviable. Every year, more than 80% of the students achieve GPA-5, and on the basis of its annual results the school continues to retain its place among the leading educational institutions under the Dhaka Education Board. Under the leadership of Acting Head Teacher Homayra Saeed, Acting Assistant Head Teacher Md. Abdul Mannan and Acting Assistant Head Teacher Md. Mizanur Rahman, the school is run by 63 teachers and 13 staff members. It has two academic buildings.
On the western side of the school’s spacious playground stands a 500-seat auditorium. With countless trees and a beautifully arranged garden, every corner of the campus seems to hold a storehouse of knowledge. At the entrance, one sees the words, “Come for knowledge,” while on the way out the message, “Go forth to serve,” catches the eye. Taken together, the school reflects the educational philosophy of the revered world poet Rabindranath Tagore - an education rooted in the midst of nature. The library contains about eight thousand books. To enrich students’ knowledge of information technology, the school has a computer laboratory equipped with 28 computers. Classrooms fitted with projectors and audio-visual technology, similar to those found in developed countries, are also being introduced.
Alongside academic activities, the school has a wide range of co-curricular programmes. To foster a spirit of healthy competition among students, they are divided into four houses named after four world-renowned scholars and historical figures: Al-Biruni, Al-Mamun, Omar Khayyam and Salauddin. All students belong to one of these four houses and take part in different sports competitions. Proper facilities are available for offering prayers. The annual Milad and Saraswati Puja are observed, while national and international days are also celebrated with due dignity. Students are involved in various groups such as Cub Scouts, BNCC and Red Crescent. They take part in different school activities and play an active role in maintaining discipline. In 2008 and 2009, two BNCC members of the school received awards at the national level. The school also has several clubs, including a Debate Club, Quiz Club and Mathematics Club.
To make the teaching-learning process successful, the school’s highly qualified teachers strive to provide practical and up-to-date instruction by coordinating the views of teachers, students and guardians. The teaching staff includes holders of PhD and MPhil degrees. The school also has a well-equipped science laboratory. Every year, the annual magazine Anushilan is published with writings by teachers and students. Educational tours are arranged for the students as well.
Every year on 3 September, the school’s founding anniversary is celebrated in a festive atmosphere. Classrooms are decorated with coloured paper, flowers, balloons and many other ornaments; cakes are cut and sweets are distributed. On this occasion, many former students, from both Bangladesh and abroad, come to the school campus or make contact by telephone to inquire about their beloved institution. The former students’ organisation, OLSA Old Laboratorians Associations, arranges an annual reunion as well as various other programmes and publications. Former students of the school have reached the heights of distinction at home and abroad, adding further glory to the institution. Today, people around the world are illuminated by the light of their achievements.

[Author: Researcher and Essayist]
Email: azad2069@gmail.com