Students at the newly nationalised North Ludhua Government Primary School of Matlab upazila in Chandpur endure great risk while studying at the dilapidated school building.
Abandoned three years ago because of its weak condition, the building may collapse any time on the teachers and students.
Though during the winter season classes can be held in the outdoors, monsoon makes it impossible. Hence, there is no alternative to hold the classes inside the risky building at the time.
According to the school authority, the poorly built building of 1994 was abandoned in 2012. Government identified the structure to be 100 percent risky and ordered not to use it.
Student of class four Md Siam, Hasan and Anika expressed fear about their school building. “We face problem during class in this old building. We are always afraid.”
Md Zahid, father of a class three student Sahina said he remained worried after sending his daughter to the school. “The building can collapse any moment and hurt the students.”
Headmistress of the school Shirin Akter said: “Demand orders were placed three times to the former MP Rafiqul Islam. But no action was taken. We are facing trouble in teaching our students under the open sky. We lose many students because of the condition of the building.”
She further added that the building was constructed in 1994 spending Tk4 lakh 24,000. But it became unusable in less than 20 years.
“155 students of the school are passing days under great risk and if the building is not renovated, we may have to stop our curriculum all together,” she said.
President of the school’s governing body Abul Kashem said he had informed Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Maya and hoped to get budget allocation soon.
Kabir Hossain, primary assistant education officer of Matlab north upazila said they have submitted a list of risky school buildings in the area and was expecting funds to build new ones.
