Two schools found locked, teachers, students absent at Char Fasson

CHAR FASSON, BHOLA, Nov 8: Two government primary schools in Mujibnagar Union of Char Fasson Upazila were found locked with no teachers, staff or students present during a surprise visit by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Wednesday, exposing serious negligence in the education sector.

The schools are Sikdarer Char Government Primary School and Char Liulin Government Primary School under Dularhat Police Station.

UNO Romana Afroz visited the institutions and found their classrooms locked during working hours. No teachers, employees or students were present at either school.

Expressing shock over the situation, she later wrote on her verified Facebook account, "Can a government school run like this? I am deeply hurt."

Her post quickly spread on social media, triggering criticism among local residents.

Following the inspection, the upazila administration issued show-cause notices to the head-teachers and other teachers of the two primary schools, asking them to explain their absence and report to the authorities.

The UNO said she reached School No 182 Sikdar Char Government Primary School at 12:45pm and found the entire premises deserted. Even the school keys had been left with a person living in a neighbouring house, she said.

Local residents alleged that teachers regularly remained absent from the school. Frustrated by the prolonged irregularities, many parents had enrolled their children in nearby madrasas, they said.

The UNO also inspected Char Liulin Chairman Bazar Secondary School in the same union and found allegations of irregular attendance and negligence in classroom teaching.

Local residents and guardians alleged that the head-teacher and two assistant teachers frequently remained absent from the institution and spent time on political activities and personal work instead of conducting classes.

The allegations have reportedly disrupted the school's regular academic activities and created dissatisfaction among parents.

Romana Afroz said such negligence by teachers receiving government salaries and allowances, at the expense of children's education and future, would not be tolerated.

She warned that the highest possible departmental and legal action would be taken against those whose negligence was established through investigation.

The UNO also said surprise inspections would continue to restore a proper learning environment in schools in the char areas.