Nabakumar Institution was established in 1916 by a zaminder called Nabakumar in Bakhsi Bazar of old Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was operated as a school though it was named an institute. In 1973 it opened a college branch.
Students of Nabakumar Institute played a great role in the National Democratic and Educational movements. Matiur Rahman Mallik, a student of standard X of Nabakumar Institution, was gunned down during a street march demanding autonomy for the then East Pakistan by the police of the government of Pakistan on 24 January 1969 . The day is seen as Mass Upsurge Day by the Bangladeshi as it eventually led to the freedom the people. In remembrance of this great soul Matiur Rahman Monument was constructed in its premises. Matiur Rahman Memorial Library and Matiur Rahman Memorial Museum was established by the managing committee of Nabakumar Institution.
Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah was a teacher of the Government Bangla College now situated at Mirpur, when it used to hold its classes of the night shift in its formative years in the premises of the Nabakumar Institute. When the college section of the Nabakumar Institute was separated to form an independent college, the managing committee of the institute named it after Dr. Shahidullah. At present Nabakumar Institute and Dr. Shahidullah College operate in the same campus and are run under the same administration. Both institute combined provides the students an opportunity to complete schooling from the nursery level to graduation. Recently, Nabakumar Institution has started a well renowned cultural service of Bangladesh called Bulbul Lalitakola Academy. In addition, It will soon celebrate the 100th birthday after 3 years.