Several educational institutions in Khulna have been submerged following three consecutive days of heavy rain till Monday.
The waterlogging has created uncertainty about the continuation of academic activities at various institutions including Khulna University, Government Teachers Training College, Higher Secondary Teachers Training Institute (HSTTI), Govt Laboratory High School, Technical Training Centre, and Khulna Women Technical Training Centre.
Additionally, many roads in the city, residential areas, fish enclosures, and ponds have also been inundated, causing significant hardship for residents.
The situation worsened on Sunday night following more rain, and new areas were submerged on Monday morning.
At Khulna University, several halls and roads were flooded, disrupting students' lives.
The ground floor of Khan Jahan Ali Hall is completely submerged, with water entering rooms and damaging books, documents, and personal belongings. The sewage system on the ground floor has also been rendered ineffective.
Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah Hall and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall are similarly affected, although water did not enter the rooms.
Knee-deep water has accumulated in front of various academic buildings, roads, and the university’s central playground. Many believe that poor drainage is responsible for the recurring waterlogging, even with light rain.
The entrance roads and playgrounds of Government Teachers Training College, HSTTI, Technical Training Centre, and Khulna Women Technical Training Center are also flooded.
Govt Laboratory High School has knee-deep water in its playground, and the road in front of Talented Pre-Cadet School is similarly submerged.
Some residents have been seen fishing on the waterlogged Teligati road.
Sheikh Ikram Hossain, a shopkeeper, said his business has suffered due to the flooding.
"The drain water can’t flow properly, and the street is knee-deep in water. People can’t leave their homes. The drains are full of dirt, and there hasn’t been a proper system to remove the water for a long time," he said.
Abdur Rahim of Teligati village echoed these complaints, saying the water is stagnant because it cannot flow, which happens every year.
"Many houses have already been flooded, and those residents are suffering more," he added.
Bidhan Chandra Roy, a teacher at Government Teachers Training College, said waterlogging occurs every year during the monsoon.
"Knee-deep water accumulates on the entrance road and in the playground. Bachelor of Education (Honours) classes are usually held on the ground floor, but it won’t be possible now due to the flooding."
Abu Hanif, acting headmaster of Govt Laboratory High School, said that the school experiences similar issues every year during the monsoon.
"Sometimes water enters the classrooms, and knee-deep water accumulates in the playground, increasing mosquito infestations and creating a foul-smelling environment. There’s no proper drainage system, so students, teachers, and staff suffer," he said.
Siam, a second-year mathematics student at Khulna University, described the situation: "I woke up to find water everywhere. My shoes were washed away, and books were floating in the water. There's also a risk of electrical accidents. I urge the authorities to address the situation as soon as possible."
Dr Rezaul Karim, interim financial and administrative head of Khulna University, assured that necessary steps will be taken to address these issues.