Erosion by the Padma River has washed away three government primary schools in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi, forcing the authorities concerned to relocate school materials and suspend classes.
The affected schools are Palashi Fatepur, Atarpara and Chaumadia government primary schools in Chakrajapur union.
Meanwhile, around 20,000 people from 1,200 families in 15 riverine chars, including Chakrajapur, Kalidaskhali, Laxminagar, Dadpur, Nich Palashi, Palashi Fatepur, Atarpara, Chaumadia and Diyar Kadimpur, have been stranded by rising water. More than 100 houses and several mosques have also been washed away by the river.
Locals said the Padma began rising abruptly on September 1, triggering severe erosion in the chars. The three schools were gradually threatened by the advancing river before being washed away. Their furniture and other materials were moved to safer locations, but classes remain suspended.
Abdur Rahman, a former member of Ward 2 of Chakrajapur union parishad, confirmed the developments on Thursday.
Shafiqul Islam, headteacher of Atarpara Government Primary School, said the school had been repeatedly relocated as the river continued to erode the char. “We would see the school standing one day and find it gone the next. Eventually, it was washed away while we were moving its belongings,” he said.
The school has 85 students and three teachers. Following instructions from the Bagha upazila executive officer, school materials were being removed when the building was finally swallowed by the river around noon on Wednesday.
Soleman Molla, a resident of Chaumadia char, said the continued rise in the Padma's water level had created serious difficulties for residents, particularly in protecting their livestock.
Sohail Rana, acting headteacher of Chaumadia Government Primary School, said there was no safe way to reach the school, so classes had been suspended. The school has 91 students and three teachers.
Bagha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Taqi Faisal Talukdar said he had visited the erosion-hit areas and schools and arranged for school materials to be moved from Atarpara.
“The matter has been reported to the higher authorities. Steps are also being taken to provide assistance to people stranded by the rising water,” he said.