History

December 1951, beside the river bank of Sitalakhya world's largest jute mill Adamjee Jute Mill was established by Gull Mohammad Adamjee. An education institute in line with the British public school was patronized by him to provide education in English in Dhaka Cantonment and the result of this effort is Adamjee Cantonment Public School. Begum Gul Mohammad Adamjee laid the foundation stone of this school in January 13, 1958. Eminent architect Thariyani planned and designed the premise that was developed by Omar and Sons under the supervision of Major General Omrao Khan of Pakistan Army. President Ayub Khan of Pakistan inaugurated the school after completion in January 27, 1960 and the school began its journey on February 16 of same year with only 4 teachers. The first principal of the school was a British named Mr. Daulman.

The aim of British Public School was to train men for positions of authority and power, whether at home or in the distant parts of the empire. An aristocracy, if it is to survive needs certain virtue, these imparted at school.

The aim of this school was to provide education to the children of the aristocrats and the high ranking army officers in English. From the very beginning Adamjee Cantonment Public School tried to implant unique characteristics in the day to day activity of the students. A system was developed to provide more then the theoretical knowledge to make the students prepare for the life through Sports, Physical training, Debate, Study tour etc. And again different film shows, maps, charts etc have been used to provide education on the subjects to increase the motivation of the students. In the beginning immediately after recitation of Holy Quran students, apart from the national anthem, used to sing along with the tunes of piano. All these used to take place in the hall room in first floor. Initially there are 25 students per class but now that has turned manifold and the change came along with the time.

Library was developed in the frame of the British Public School, which had numerous books from different writers. Even there were books written for college and university and there were many books on teaching methodology for the teachers. Apart from the regular books on different subjects there were books concerning daily activity of life and there were books for gathering knowledge.

Discipline was the first priority of the school. Maintaining discipline in every aspect of life was the most important priority of life. Maintaining discipline in assembly, entering class, even for going home maintenance of discipline was the most priority in the school.

There was not a single palace so elegant, so beautiful and so large in Dhaka city during its inception. There was a huge open space and the open space was surrounded with the jungle which is now non existent. Now all these area have been filled up with line of high rises. In the eastern side of the jungle foxes used to roam around even in the broad sunlight. Verities of tree encircled the building and gave a natural view. With the rise of students now these have been history.

There were two British principal, Mr. Daulman and Mr. J. E. M. Thornhill, who have won the heart of the students. They were along the students with all the activity. At times mischievous students tried to evade the rules of the school and the Principal have duly punished them. This created respect and fear amongst the students.

Initially the classes were from 5th standard to 10th standard. With the demand of admission for higher secondary students the college section was established and in due course the name of the institute was changed to Adamjee Cantonment College. Eventually the Graduate Course was included. In 1995 due to the administrative pressure from January the School was separated from College and named the institute to Adamjee Cantonment Public School. Four houses have been created in the name of four renowned person - Kaykobad House, Dr. Ibrahim House, F. R. Khan House and Joynul Abedin house.

The school has now from 2nd standard to 10th standard in both English and Bengali medium. English version of the National Curriculum is being taught from 6th standard to 10th standard. Currently there are more than 2800 students and 98 teachers.

Information collected - Khan Kalimullah, Ex - Vice Principal, Adamjee Cantonment Public School.