Some 400 students of Harekrishnapur Government Primary School in the town’s Mongalbaria Bazar have to attend classes in a dilapidated building.
According to sources, a portion of the ceiling has loosened and cracks have developed on various parts of the building. The roof can collapse at any given moment.
Some local elites founded the makeshift school in 1936. The makeshift structure was later turned into a building where students have been attending classes for the past 78 years.
Despite some minor renovation work being carried out in 2005, the building in its current form is considered risky.
Locals have alleged that the renovation was not done properly, citing corruption in part of the contractor concerned.
Mina, a student of class I, said: “I always fear that the building can collapse anytime.”
Mina’s father Kabil Mia said: “We are gripped with panic at the prospect of something tragic occurring there.”
Bakul Hossain, father of a class III student named Mim, said: “It is unbelievable that a government primary school has been lying in such a sorry state.”
Arifa Sharmin, the school’s headmistress said: “An engineer from Education Engineering Department declared the school building abandoned.”
“With no alternative arrangements left, we have to conduct all academic activities inside the building at great risk,” she said.
“No steps were taken despite the authorities being informed of the matter,” she added.
Locals, teachers and students demanded immediate and effective steps being taken towards the building’s renovation.