Educational activities of around 23 institutions in Lakhsmipur that were damaged in election related violence during January 4-5, are in jeopardy as the authorities are yet to renovate the buildings.
Sources at the Upazila Secondary and Primary Education office said BNP and Jamaat-Shibir men had vandalised and torched four secondary schools, one dakhil madrasah and 18 government primary schools in Ramganj upazila that were being used as polling centres.
Headmistress of Nunapara Government School Jhumur Rani Pal said: “Miscreants set fire to the school as it was being used as a polling centre. They also vandalised and torched two chairs, one table, one closet and all windows and doors.”
“Now around 185 students are attending classes under open sky which is hampering their concentration,” she said.
Headmaster of Horicchor Government School Bidhubhushon said: “I am in trouble as many important documents were torched. Miscreants set fire to the office room of the school.”
Dilip Kumar, headmaster of Srirampur High School, said miscreants had torched the office and class rooms during late night on January 4.
President of the school management committee Amir Hossain alleged that police had failed to arrest the culprits despite having complaints filed against them.
“We immediately informed the matter to the officials of Upazila Secondary and Primary Education Office but the authorities concerned did not take any step to restore a healthy educational environment,” he said.
Kamal Hossain, upazila secondary education officer, said: “We cannot repair the schools because of lack of fund, we have issued an application to the ministry concerned in this regard.”
Md Nobir Uddin, upazila education officer, said: “Necessary steps will be taken after holding a meeting with the upazila education committee.”
The newly-elected MP of Laxmipur 1 constituency MA Aowal said: “The fund will reach the schools and madrasahs within a few days.”
