Kids attend classes in abandoned bldg for 8 years
Children are attending classes in an abandoned primary school building of Nagarkanda upazila in the district for eight years amid risk of accident, thanks to the authorities’ negligence to the matter.
Biva Hawlader, headmaster of Hiyaboldi Government Primary School, said the school was established in 1985 and the building was built in 1994.
The upazila primary education department declared the building abandoned in 2011, she said.
“We have another building nearby. Built in 2003-2004 fiscal year, it comprises two classrooms and a teachers’ room,” said the headmaster.
They were compelled to use a room of that abandoned building as the two classrooms are not sufficient to accommodate 162 students, added Biva.
During a recent visit to the school building, this correspondent found that plaster of most part of the roof has already fallen, exposing rusty iron rods. Cracks have also developed in the roof.
Yunus Mia, an assistant teacher of the school, said plaster fell off the ceiling three months ago. However, none sustained injuries in the accident as all the students were out of the room at that time.
They take classes amid risk of accident every day, said Yunus.
Jobaida Akter, a student of Class III, said “We have been afraid to attend classes in the damaged room.”
Sonali Aktar, classmate of Jobaida, said their classes are often suspended due to bad weather.
Miraz Matubbar, a guardian, said “I live in fear after sending my daughter to the risky school building.”
Upazila Education Officer Tamzumnahar said immediate steps will be taken to build new building there.
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