99 risky schools in a single upazila

As many as 99 government primary school buildings in Delduar upazila have become dilapidated and risky due to lack of maintenance and renovation for long.

The institutions include Nalua Government Primary School, Aloa Tarini Government Primary School, Baropakhia Rothindrapara Government Primary School, Atia Haji Pashan Ullah Government Primary School and Agg Elasin Government Primary School.

However, students are attending classes in the risky buildings amid risk of accidents, said guardians and locals.

The school buildings were constructed under the supervision of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) about 10 to 15 years ago.

As low quality materials were used in the construction work, the buildings became vulnerable within a short time, alleged locals.

Nalua Government Primary School has three classrooms and one office room in its only building.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found students attending classes amid risk of accident as chunks of plasters are falling off the ceiling of the classrooms.

“Terming the building risky, Upazila Engineer Mir Ali Shakir during his recent visit to the school urged us to stop taking classes in it," said Headmaster Sheikh Nur Mohammad.  

 Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, headmaster of Jangalia Government Primary School, said the condition of the schoolhouse is so risky that guardians are very worried about the safety of their children.

Tanbir Siddique, guardian of a student, demanded construction of new building in place of the vulnerable one.

Upazila Education Officer Gour Chandra said they have already informed the ministry concerned about the matter but a response is yet to come.