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

They were also used to promote the conversion of people to Christianity especially from the poor who saw the schools as an added benefit for their children.

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.