UP chairman doesit, halting classes

Classes at Hasan Khor Registered Primary School in Kishoreganj union of Palashbari upazila under Gaibandha district remained suspended on Monday as the local union parishad chairman arranged distribution of rice under VGD (vulnerable group development) programme there. The schoolhouse is used for the purpose at least once a month. PHOTO: STAR

A union parishad (UP) chairman under Palashbari upazila uses a registered primary school in the union as centre for distributing VGD (Vulnerable Group Development) rice among the ultra poor women at least once a month, suspending classes.
Despite objection by the guardians, Chairman Aminul Islam Rintu of Kishoregari Union Parishad (UP) continues to use Hasan Khor Registered Primary School building as rice distribution centre.
On Monday last, the chairman distributed VGD rice among poor women, suspending classes for the day.
Locals alleged that they had repeatedly appealed to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and upazila primary education officer to stop VGD rice distribution from the schoolhouse, but no step has been taken yet.
They demanded that the authorities concerned shift the distribution centre from schoolhouse to another place for the sake of students' education.
“We urged the UP chairman to shift the VGD rice distribution centre to any other suitable place, but he did not pay heed to our request” said Nurun Nabi Mia, headmaster of the school.
The UP chairman compels us to suspend the classes for the day he distributes rice among the ultra poor women, the headmaster added.
The ultra poor women crowd the school compound in the morning and stay there till the end of VGD rice distribution, he further said.
Contacted, UP Chairman Aminul Islam Rintu said the schoolhouse has been selected as a centre for distributing VGD rice to ensure security of the beneficiaries.