For the first time in nearly 58 years, the government is set to open two new government schools and colleges in Chattogram.

From 2026, the two institutions will commence academic activities in the city’s Patenga area with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities.

The new institutions are: Shah Amanat International Airport Government School and College (East Patenga) and Masterda Surya Sen Government School and College (North Patenga). Each of the 10-storey school buildings will be able to accommodate around 1,400 students at a time.The last government secondary school established in Chattogram city was in 1967. Although two private schools were nationalised in 1974 and 2017, no entirely new government secondary schools were established. Locals consider the inauguration of these two new schools a significant step in addressing this long-standing void.Each institution will feature modern classrooms, multimedia rooms, an ICT lab, science laboratories, a library, a seminar hall, a multipurpose hall, a prayer room, a mid-day meal room, and a medical room. The schools will also include internet access, sports equipment, and multimedia projectors.In 2018, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a project to establish nine secondary schools. With a budget of Tk 464 crore, the plan involved constructing schools in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Joypurhat, and Sreemangal in Moulvibazar.The project is being implemented after three deadline extensions. The main challenge was a lack of land—securing two acres in the city proved difficult, which led to the selection of land in Patenga.Chattogram District Education Officer Uttam Khisa said, “There was no government school in the Patenga area until now. These two institutions are being established to meet the long-standing demand of local residents.”Project Director Raihana Taslima said, “Work is nearly complete. It will be finished within this year, and academic activities will begin from next year.”