BRAC Academy officially inaugurated in Dhaka with focus on quality education

BRAC Academy has officially begun operations in Dhaka, aiming to promote quality, values-based education and the holistic development of children through a child-centred learning approach.

The academy's Dhaka branch, located in Dakshinkhan, was formally inaugurated on Thursday (8 January) by Tamara Hasan Abed, Managing Director of BRAC Enterprises, reads a press release.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, she said quality education goes beyond buildings and infrastructure and must be rooted in authentic, research-based learning.

Drawing on BRAC's long-standing experience in the education sector, she said BRAC Academy has been established to ensure children receive education aligned with international standards. Referring to the prevailing emphasis on rote memorisation in the country's education system, she stressed the need for well-rounded, creative individuals capable of thinking independently and expressing themselves with confidence.

In his closing remarks, Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC's Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, said that despite higher pass rates and an increasing number of universities, the development of critical thinking and practical skills remains limited. He said BRAC Academy aims to nurture students who can think independently and make informed decisions.

The opening remarks were delivered by Niveen Reza, Head of Social Enterprise at BRAC's Education Programme, who said the academy's approach and activities are designed in line with education systems followed by countries with advanced education sectors.

Parents Fakhrunnesa Lima and Ishrat Jahan also shared their experiences, while guests enjoyed cultural performances by the academy's students. Attendees toured the campus prior to the formal ceremony.

BRAC Academy offers primary education from Play Group to Grade Five for children aged four years and above. It follows a bilingual Bangla–English curriculum, maintaining a strong foundation in Bangla while gradually introducing English through age-appropriate activities to build effective communication skills in both languages.

Alongside the national curriculum, the academy places strong emphasis on life skills development. Its learning materials meet global standards while remaining adapted to the Bangladeshi context.

BRAC Academy first launched its operations in Cumilla in 2019 and currently operates in Cumilla, Bogura, Rajshahi, and Dhaka. The academy is set to expand to Chattogram, Sylhet, Jashore, and Noakhali later this month, with the goal of providing affordable, quality education to middle-income families as an alternative to expensive private schools.