LALMOHAN, BHOLA, May 25: Academic activities at Madhya Chartitia Government Primary School in Lalmohan Upazila of Bhola are being carried out in a highly risky condition as the school building has become severely dilapidated, causing growing concern among teachers and students.
Cracks have developed in various parts of the building, while plaster is falling off from walls and ceilings. During rainfall, water leaks through the roof, disrupting classroom activities. As a result, attendance is gradually declining and the quality of education is being affected.
The school, located in Ward No. 4 of Badarpur Union, was established in 1943 to spread education in the remote area. It was nationalised in 1973. Although a two-storey building was constructed in 2006, it has now turned highly risky.
Before the construction of the brick building, classes were held in a tin-shed structure. At present, both teachers and students are living in constant fear due to the unsafe condition of the building.
The school currently has around 120 students from pre-primary to Class V, along with six teachers including the head teacher.
Students Sabbir Alam and Ratna Begum said they feel scared due to visible cracks in the building. “When it rains, waterfalls inside the classroom, making it difficult to continue classes,” they said.
Headteacher Setara Begum said the school is facing multiple problems, including a shortage of classrooms, forcing students to sit in crowded conditions. She also mentioned the lack of safe drinking water due to the absence of a tube well.
“We are continuing educational activities despite all difficulties, but the building has now become extremely risky. Plaster is falling from different areas, and we always remain worried about student safety,” she said, adding that applications for a new building have so far yielded no result.
She urged the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to construct a modern and safe school building.
Upazila Primary Education Officer Md Shah Alam said the school building is in a very dilapidated condition and necessary documents have already been submitted to the education engineering department for a new building.
“We hope a new building will be constructed there soon,” he added.
