A govt pry school that has no students

It is hard to believe that a government primary school, built in the middle of croplands, in Kurigram Sadar upazila is running without students.

Surprisingly, although the institution has five teachers, including the headmaster, no students are virtually present at the school.

Teachers, however, claimed that this year 80 students are enrolled at the school, but none of them were seen attending classes.

Established in 2004, Uttar Majherchar Adarsha Government Primary School, located at Krishnapur village in Mogolbasa union, was nationalised in 2018.

While visiting the institution on two separate working days a couple of weeks ago this correspondent found all the classrooms empty.

Meanwhile, three assistant teachers Mahasina Begum Anju, Sabina Yasmin and Ashrafi Binte Akhtar were seen loitering at the schoolground.

Teachers said another assistant teacher Afia Sultana was on leave and headmaster Altaf Hossain left for the upazila education office for urgent purpose.

Assistant teacher Sabina Yasmin said although a number of students from the nearby areas took admission at the school, none of them come to school regularly.

Another assistant teacher Ashrafi Binte Akhter said they have a few students because there are several other schools and madrasas in the surrounding areas.

Teacher Mahasina Begum said as the school is situated in the middle of croplands, many parents are unwilling to send their children at the institution.

One of the local residents Abdus Sattar said though the teachers of the institution together receive a handsome amount from the government every month, they have never seen any students at the school premises.

The upazila education office is well aware of the matter, but no step has been taken in this regard yet, he said.

Contacted, Headmaster Altaf Hussain said due to river erosion the school was temporarily shifted to another place in 2011.

However, the institution has been facing shortage of students since it was brought back to its previous location in September last year, he added.

Kurigram Sadar Upazila Education Officer Lutfar Rahman said he was not aware of the matter.