Classroom shortage, water-logging disrupt academic activities at Chilmari school 

CHILMARI, KURIGRAM, Sept 24: Around 350 students of Magrakura Akandpara Government Primary School in Nayarhat Union of Chilmari Upazila are suffering due to a shortage of classrooms and persistent water-logging on the school premises.

The school was relocated to an agricultural field in Dakshin Khauria Char in 2020 after the original campus was washed away by the Brahmaputra River erosion. Two tin-shed buildings were constructed at the new site, but the school authorities have been unable to raise the low-lying ground even after six years.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found water accumulating across the school compound even after light rain as the entire premises is located in a low-lying area. With no effective drainage system, stagnant water and mud remain on the playground and entrance for a long time after rainfall.

The situation is causing difficulties for students travelling to school and disrupting physical education and sports. The shortage of classrooms is also forcing students to attend classes in overcrowded rooms, hampering teaching in a normal environment.

Fifth-grader Md Kabir Hossain said, “Whenever it rains, water accumulates on the school playground and in front of the school. We have to walk through mud and water to attend classes. Sometimes our clothes and books get wet. It would make things much easier for us if the playground were raised.”

Fourth-grader Medha Khatun said, “We cannot play at school. Water and mud remain on the playground for many days after rain. The classrooms are also in poor condition. If a new building were constructed, we could attend classes properly.”

Following the river erosion, the school was shifted to the present location and the two tin-shed buildings were built. One of them has already become dilapidated and is no longer suitable for classes.

The other tin-shed building has six rooms, one of which is used as the office. The remaining five rooms are being used for classes from pre-primary to Grade 5.

The classroom shortage has become more acute as BRAC also runs an education programme for dropout and disadvantaged students on the same campus.

Head-teacher Md Shahidul Islam said the school was moved to the new location after the river erosion, but the land has yet to be raised.

“Even a little rain causes waterlogging on the playground. One of the tin-shed buildings has become dilapidated and cannot be used. As a result, we have to continue teaching despite the classroom shortage,” he said.

“I have submitted a written application to the upazila nirbahi officer seeking measures to raise the playground, improve drainage and construct a new building, considering the students’ suffering,” he added.

He said about 350 students study at the school in the remote char area and that permanent solutions to the problems are urgently needed to ensure a proper learning environment.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md Kamruzzaman said the administration had been informed about the need to raise the school playground.

“The playground will be raised if funds are allocated. Once the Primary Education Development Programme-5 begins, a proposal will be sent for construction of a new building at the school,” he said.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mahmudul Hasan said he was aware of the problems.

“Necessary measures will be taken to resolve them,” he said.