Aga Khan Academy Dhaka celebrates its first graduating class | Aga Khan Academies

Aga Khan Academy Dhaka celebrates its first graduating class

25 May 2025

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka proudly celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 32 exceptionally talented International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme students.  

The graduation ceremony, held at the Dhaka Regency Celebrations Hall, brought together students, faculty, parents and esteemed guests to honour the achievements of the graduating class. It was also live-streamed to extended family members, friends, staff and alumni of the Aga Khan Schools (AKS), reaching nearly 10,000 viewers across the country and internationally.  

Prior to the main event, a special pinning ceremony was conducted for the graduating class with their teachers and mentors. A tradition seen across the Aga Khan Academies, the graduates were awarded an Academies’ pin, signifying the completion of their time at the Academy as they join a growing legacy of alumni across the Academies and AKS. 

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Head of Academy Ms Suvina Shunglu, who reflected on the remarkable growth and accomplishments of the graduating class.  

“As we celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, we mark a milestone that reflects both the dedication of our students and the strength of the Academy’s mission and vision,” Ms Suvina said. “The IB journey is transformative – it calls on students to think critically, serve meaningfully and embrace pluralism. Our graduates have consistently embodied these values, and we are confident they will continue to lead with kindness, curiosity and courage in an ever-changing world.” 

Mr Amyn Saleh, Chairman of the Aga Khan Education Service, Bangladesh, delivered a moving address to the graduates. He highlighted His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s legacy of building strong institutions, including the network of 200 schools within AKS spread across 11 countries in East Africa and South and Central Asia. He also mentioned His Late Highness’s vision to develop homegrown, ethical leaders with the skills and knowledge to support positive development in their societies through this education network. 

“I am confident that your journey of education at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka has prepared you for this future,” Mr Amyn said. “To make ethical choices, to embrace the strength of pluralism and to commit to service in your individual communities and beyond. I am also proud to share that the Class of 2025 has already received offers from 110 universities across the world, thus far along with scholarships valuing approximately $3 million.”

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr Wameq A Raza, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank and a Class of 2001 alumnus of the Aga Khan School, Dhaka, delivered an inspiring speech that underscored the power of empathy and self-confidence. Reflecting on his own professional journey, he urged the graduates to lead with courage and compassion to inspire meaningful change.  

“You are now stepping into a phase of true independence – emotional, intellectual and financial,” Dr Wameq said. “Do not be afraid of uncertainty; embrace it. It is often in the unknown that you discover your strengths and just as importantly, your limitations – both are essential to knowing yourself. You do not need a perfect plan to move forward, just a sense of purpose, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning. Remember, the world is interdisciplinary; be open to new ideas, stay accountable and build a life that gives you the freedom to grow, give and thrive. In the midst of it all, be kind – to yourself and others.” 

This year, the Class of 2025 secured over $2.93 million (BDT 354.33 million) in scholarships, with admission offers from universities in Bangladesh and across the globe. These placements reflect not only the graduates’ academic excellence but the well-rounded, globally minded education the Academy aims to provide. The admission offers include Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom; The University of Hong Kong, China; University of New South Wales, Australia; Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada; University of Twente, Netherlands; Arizona State University, USA; and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India, to name a few.

With a mix of pride and nostalgia, the Class of 2025 concluded their time at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka – ready to take on new challenges and make meaningful contributions to the world.  

The Class of 2025’s graduation ceremony is available to watch online on the Academy’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.