Saint Placid's is one of many English medium schools that were started by Christian missionaries during the time of the British rule.

Throughout their history though, these schools also took in students who were the children of the wealthy who could afford the fees that were charged to non-Christians.

They catered more and more to the children of the emerging middle class and also had a secular public front that was aligned with the religious sensitivities of the local people.

At St. Placid's in the 1960s for example, the day started with the national anthem at assembly and when the students reached their "home room" they recited the Lord's Prayer, which was deemed consistent with both Muslim and Christian beliefs.

[1] St. Placid's School and College converted to Bengali medium shortly after the country became independent Bangladesh.