Too risky for students

Students of 346 primary schools in Chattogram are attending classes risking their lives as the school buildings are in a dilapidated condition. Despite the risk, authorities concerned are yet to take any visible step in this regard.

Guardians fear that accident might take place anytime there.

According to the district primary education office, 346 government primary school buildings are in derelict state due lack of maintenance and renovation.

On April 7, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued a letter, signed by its senior assistant secretary Md Nur Nabi, asking authorities to identify such school buildings across the country.

According to the list of Chattogram district primary education office, there are 49 such schools in Banskhali; 17 in Patiya; 32 in Anowara; 28 in Boalkhali; 5 in Chandanaish; 21 in Satkania; 20 in Lohagera; 14 in Fatikcchari; 6 in Sitakunda; 12 in Hathazari; 9 in Roazan; 48 in Mirsarai; 35 in Rangunia and 9 in Sandwip upazila.

Moreover, 41 primary schools, deemed risky, are located in port city. Of them, 6 are in Pahartali; 9 in Panchlaish; 7 in Chandgaon; 5 in Double Mooring and 12 in Bandar areas.

There are 2,269 primary schools in the district.

Seeking anonymity, an official of the district primary education office said around 100 primary school buildings in the district are not useable and may collapse anytime. 

Rafida Rahman, mother of a student at Makbulia Government Primary School in Bandar area, said she is afraid to send her son to school due to condition of the building.

“The authorities should take immediate steps to ensure our children’s safety,” she added.

Contacted, District Primary Education Officer Nasrin Sultana said as per direction of the ministry they have identified the risky schools.

“Of those, some are at high risk and not useable. We have already sent the list to the ministry and will act according to their direction. Hopefully, they will take a decision soon,” she added.