‘The building can collapse any moment’

Mariam Akhter Anika is a 10th grader at Pangashia Girls' High School in Patuakhali's Dumki upazila. However, during most of her classes she remains distracted -- staring at the ceiling and the beams to watch out when the plaster falls off. 

When it rains, their school's roof leaks and the plaster wears off the surface.

Sadia Akhtar, a ninth grader of the school, echoed Mariam's anxiety.

It may leave one wondering, if its even possible to learn anything in such poor classroom conditions?

More than 200 students are attending classes in such dilapidated rooms.

The school was established in 1985 on an acre of land. First, the girls' education programme started in a tinned house.

In 1995, the Department of Education and Engineering constructed a one-story building with three rooms. But the building has broken down now due to the lack of renovations. The plaster on the beams have chipped off and empty rods have come out of several places on the roof and beams.

Visiting the site recently, this correspondent found the allegations to be true. The roof and beams of the building were cracked, the plasters were falling off  and the rods were sticking out. Apart from this, rain water was leaking through the roof and falling on the students.

Anyone could feel the discomfort in the rooms.

Assistant teacher Bishnu Rani said there are six classrooms in this risky building. "We're facing great difficulty teaching in such horrible conditions." she said.

She added that the students' attendance at the school is also decreasing due to this reason.

Alauddin, a guardian, said, "I worry for my daughter every day as class activities go on in such hazardous conditions."

Abul Kalam Azad, the high school's head teacher said, "I've written to all the departments concerned, informing them about the school's risky condition. It has become necessary for us to construct a new building here. We've applied for financial assistance to repair our roof but received no assistance as of yet."

"At present, in such conditions the school building could collapse any moment," he added.

Contacted, District Education Officer Md Mojibur Rahman admitted that a new building needs to be constructed. "We will inform the Education Engineering Department as soon as possible."