Kids attend classes in risky schoolhouses

Students of Donasree Government Primary School in Moulvibazar district attend classes on the veranda as the classrooms of the dilapidated building have turned too risky. PHOTO: STAR

Over 2000 students of nine schools in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila have to attend classes in dilapidated buildings while classes of three other schools are held outside as the houses are too risky.
Of the 189 primary schools in the upazila, Goyghor Bhughbol, Shaheed Zia, Atghor, Sujopasa, Doskahonia, Kandigaon, Nij Bahadurpur, Lamakagabola, Gobindosree, Mitharay, Podunapur, Donasree government primary schools were earlier declared 'unfit for use' by the upazila engineering department, said sources at Moulvibazar Sadar primary education office.
Shaheed Zia, Goyghor Bhugbol and Atghor primary schools have turned so risky that classes are held outside, much to the disturbance of lessons especially during the rainy season.  
"The presence of students has fallen amid fear of fatal accidents. The school building has become so risky that there is no alternative to constructing a new one," said Pijus Kanti Datto, headmaster of Lamakagabola Government Primary School.
Visiting Mitharay and Donasree schools, this correspondent saw cracks in the ceilings, pillars and walls. Often chunks of plaster fall off and water drips down the floors even during light to moderate rainfall.
Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila Primary Education Officer Maruf Ahmed Chowdhury said, “The list of the 12 risky school buildings has been sent to the higher authorities concerned for taking necessary steps."