One of Bangladesh’s pioneering institutions for women’s education, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, is marking its 75th year, celebrating a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. The Platinum Jubilee was observed on Wednesday with a day-long program organized in collaboration with the Viqarunnisa Alumni Association.
Founded on January 14, 1952, by Begum Viqarunnisa Noon, wife of Feroz Khan Noon, the then Governor of East Pakistan, the institution has nurtured generations of confident and capable women leaders. Originally located on Bailey Road, it has since expanded to campuses in Azimpur, Dhanmondi, and Bashundhara, now serving nearly 25,000 students. Alumni have contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s development, both domestically and internationally. Alumni chapters in countries including Australia have also joined in the celebrations.
The event was chaired by Md Azmul Haque, President of the Interim Governing Board, and attended by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as the Chief Guest. Speeches were delivered by Iffat Gias Arefin, President of the Viqarunnisa Alumni Association, and Majeda Begum, Principal of the institution.
In her address, Alumni Association President Iffat Gias Arefin said, “Over the past 75 years, this institution has nurtured multiple generations enriched not only with education but also with confidence, leadership, and skills. The Alumni Association will work as a bridge between former and current students, enabling contributions to each other as well as to the welfare of society and the country.”
Chief Guest Syeda Rizwana Hasan reflected on the institution’s role in shaping responsible citizens. “Students must rise above personal interests and work for the country and its people,” she said, stressing that social change begins with self-transformation. “We do not have the power to create forests, hills, rivers, or nature, so we must protect them. Respect for all is the essence of humanity, and this lesson should begin from student life,” she added.
Principal Majeda Begum noted, “These 75 years are not merely a number; they represent the history of fulfilling the dreams of thousands of women. Through this celebration, we hope to inspire the new generation to face the global challenges of tomorrow.”
The Platinum Jubilee year was formally inaugurated with a flag hoisting, balloon release, and cake-cutting ceremony. The afternoon program featured cultural performances, with special presentations by former students.
