Cattle market on school premises

Academic activities at Haji Konu Mia High School in Doarabazar upazila of the district are being hampered as a cattle market sits on the school premises on two days every week, students, guardians and teachers said.

The huge gathering on the school ground every Friday and Tuesday distracts the students' attention. Besides, they cannot use the school ground on those days.

The school premises has been used as a cattle market for a long time under the patronisation of local influential people, who often pay a part of the toll money to the school authorities.

A Class VIII student told this correspondent that they cannot play in the school field during leisure period as it is occupied by traders and cattle. They are also afraid of attacks by the cattle.

Mozzamil Ali, a guardian, said the cattle traders and brokers occupy the school corridor on market days, and also use the chairs, tables and benches of the school.

Abdul Hye Fazlu of the area said, “I leased the place for Tk 4.5 lakh this year.”

District Education Officer Md Jahangir Alam said, “I shall investigate the matter, and if the allegation is found true, steps will be taken as per rules.”