The Pogose legacy: An Armenian heritage in Dhaka

Illustration: Maisha Syeda; Photo: Joybrata Sarker

Students and alumni of Pogose School have a pride no other people of Dhaka can claim: their institution is the oldest surviving private school in the capital!

Now known as Pogose Laboratory School and College, operating under Jagannath University, it was founded as far back as 1848, by Joakim Gregory Nicholas Pogose, a rich Armenian businessman. 

It seems that he not only put money into it but also its management and his heart and soul into it as well. In fact, "Nickie Shaheb's school" – as it was commonly referred to – was originally housed on the ground floor of his own residence.  

Source: Dhaka- A Study in Urban History and Development (1840-1921) by Sharif uddin Ahmed; The Reminiscences of Dacca by Hriday Nath Majumdar.