Salesian Rector Major inaugurates Dhaka school, Highlights Education during Historic Bangladesh Visit

Salesian Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard inaugurated Don Bosco School in Dhaka on October 9, highlighting education as central to the Church’s mission to help young people develop their abilities and build a better future.

The inauguration was the centerpiece of Fr. Attard’s first visit to Bangladesh, a four-day trip that marked a historic milestone as he became the first Rector Major to visit the country since the Salesians of Don Bosco established their mission there 15 years ago.

Fr. Attard, the 11th successor of St. John Bosco and worldwide leader of the Salesians, arrived in Bangladesh on October 9. Accompanied by his secretary, Fr. Thathi Reddy Vijay Bhaskar, SDB, he was welcomed at Dhaka airport by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, SDB, provincial of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, and Fr. Francis Allencherry, SDB, who oversees the Bangladesh Mission.

Speaking to RVA News, Fr. Attard said his visit focused on meeting and listening to Salesians and members of the Salesian Family, as well as meeting teachers and learning about their work.

“My stay here was meant to meet the Salesians in the different communities here in Bangladesh,” he said. “It was more about meeting and listening. I had the opportunity to meet the Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, and today to spend the whole day at the opening of the school and meeting teachers.”

During the visit, he also met aspirants, pre-novices, Salesian priests and brothers, and members of Salesian lay groups in Dhaka.

Don Bosco School reflects the congregation’s focus on education and its work among young people, families, and marginalized communities. The school began four years ago with 51 students and has since grown to 227.

For Fr. Attard, the growth reflects the importance of providing accessible education that combines academic learning with character formation.

“Education is our core mission,” he said. “We work through formal schools, technical and vocational training centers, and universities. Across the world, our largest presence is in the field of education.”

Fr. Attard described the new school as part of the congregation’s commitment to inclusive and holistic education.

“We offer a school that welcomes everybody,” he said. “A school that provides good education but is also very aware of the importance of character formation. Relationships within the school are as important as the lessons taught in different subjects.”

He also stressed the importance of involving parents in their children’s education, saying schools should create an environment in which families are active partners rather than simply visitors.

“We try to have an environment where the family is invited to be part and parcel of education,” he said.

Students, teachers, and parents attending the inauguration expressed hope that the school would create new opportunities for young people in Dhaka.

Fr. Attard also expressed optimism about the future of the Salesian mission in Bangladesh, noting that further initiatives would depend on local needs and available resources.

“Wherever there are young people, there is a place for the Salesians,” he said. “It does not matter which country or continent.”

He praised the support the Salesians receive from Bangladesh’s Catholic bishops, describing their relationship with the local Church as encouraging and beneficial to young people.

“The local Church is very appreciative of the Salesian presence, very helpful and supportive,” he said. “We are grateful to the archbishop, the auxiliary bishops, and all the bishops of Bangladesh. Their support is a great benefit to young people.”

Fr. Attard’s visit highlighted the partnership between the Salesians and the local Church in investing in the next generation. Through schools and other educational programs, the congregation seeks to help young people become responsible citizens, develop their gifts, and contribute to their communities.

“Education is about looking to the future,” he said.