Rainwater disrupts classes at Gopalganj madrasa for 4 days

GOPALGANJ, July 12: Classes have remained suspended for the past four days at a madrasa and orphanage in Gopalganj's Tungipara Upazila after continuous rainfall left classrooms and the playground under knee-deep water, disrupting the education of 360 students.

The water-logging at Borni Jamia Arabia Imdadul Uloom Madrasa and Orphanage has also raised health concerns for residential students, as stagnant water continues to surround the institution.

According to the madrasa authorities and local residents, the single-storey institution accommodates 360 students, including around 200 in its Nurani section. About 30 residential students from Dinajpur, Barishal, Bagerhat, Noakhali and Khulna live on the campus.

They said the institution experiences water-logging almost every monsoon because there is no proper drainage system. However, financial constraints have prevented the authorities from constructing a drainage outlet.

Teachers, students and local residents urged the government to take immediate steps to improve drainage so that academic activities can resume in a normal environment.

Mufti Saiful, a teacher in the Nurani section, said the classrooms used by younger students are the first to go under water after even light rainfall.

"As a result, students' books, notebooks, bedding and other essential items are damaged. Every monsoon, teaching is disrupted because we cannot afford to build a drainage system," he said.

Second-grade student Huzaifa Islam said their classroom and playground had again been flooded, preventing both classes and outdoor activities.

Assistant Mohtamim Maulana Imdadul Haque said the institution is forced to suspend classes every rainy season because accumulated water cannot be drained.

"We appeal to the government and the administration to take the necessary steps so that a permanent solution can be ensured and academic activities continue uninterrupted," he said.

Tungipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jahirul Alam said he became aware of the situation through the media.

"We will take steps to drain the accumulated water as soon as possible. Permanent measures will also be taken to prevent water-logging in the classrooms and playground in the future," he said.