Jesuits Open Another School in Bangladesh

Back in 2022, probably on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, I was having tea with Rt. Rev. Gervas Rozario, the Bishop of Rajshahi, along with a few Jesuits at Bhobanipur. During our conversation, the Bishop made a proposal that would soon turn into a meaningful mission. He said, “Fr. Ripon, you have just opened an English-medium school in Kuchilabari, Kaligonj, Gazipur. Why don’t you open another school in my diocese? It could be a branch of the Kuchilabari school. I have a piece of land in Sapahar, Naogaon, which I am ready to donate to the Jesuits.” I thanked the Bishop and requested him to send an official letter to my Father Provincial.

The very next morning, the Bishop sent an official invitation letter to the Jesuit Provincial of Calcutta and kindly shared a copy with me. The Provincial asked me to look into the matter. I consulted the members of the Jesuit Mission, and all responded positively. Soon after, Frs. Joseph Mistri, Probash Rozario, and I visited the proposed site in Sapahar. We were all impressed with the location and agreed to move forward with the project. A detailed report was then sent to the Father Provincial.

Meanwhile, the then Provincial visited Bangladesh and personally inspected the site, accompanied by a few Jesuits. He appreciated the potential of the place and constituted a committee comprising Frs. Probash, Francis, and Rohit to conduct a feasibility study. The findings were discussed during the Mission meeting, and we collectively felt confident about beginning the new mission. The draft agreement was subsequently sent to Fr. Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who granted permission to proceed. Following this approval, the agreement was formally signed with the Bishop of Rajshahi.

During this period, there was a change in leadership, and Fr. James Arjen Tete was appointed the Provincial of the Calcutta Province. Recognizing the needs of the region and the importance of Jesuit educational presence, he wholeheartedly encouraged us to continue with the project.

To begin construction, we approached various benefactors for financial assistance. The Jesuit Mission in Nuremberg generously came forward to support the construction of the school building. Fr. Joseph Mistri was entrusted with overseeing the construction work, which progressed steadily.

Finally, on January 11, 2026, the school officially opened its doors with two classes—Nursery and KG One. A total of 82 students were admitted in the very first year, marking a hopeful beginning for this new educational endeavor in Sapahar, Naogaon.

Inspired by Ignatian spirituality and the rich Jesuit heritage, the Jesuits of the Bangladesh Mission have undertaken this noble initiative to educate young minds and hearts for the service of the nation. True to the Jesuit vision, we aspire to form our students as men and women for others, committed to faith, justice, and the common good.