Patharghata, Jan 12 (V7N) — Academic activities are continuing under serious risk at 131 No. Haridra Government Primary School in Kakchira Union of Patharghata upazila, where more than a hundred students attend classes in a severely dilapidated building.

According to school sources, the condition of the building has deteriorated significantly over the years, with plaster frequently falling from the walls and roof. This has created constant fear among teachers and students. Concerned officials said that there have previously been incidents where broken parts of the building fell, injuring both teachers and students.

The school building, constructed in 1999, was officially declared risky and abandoned by the concerned authorities in 2021. However, despite several years passing since the declaration, there has been no visible progress in constructing a new building, forcing regular classes to continue in the unsafe structure.

In addition to the damaged building, the surrounding environment of the school also poses serious safety concerns. The institution does not have its own playground, and paddy fields lie immediately below the staircase of the building, making student movement hazardous. Local residents alleged that land allocated as the school playground has been illegally occupied and is currently being used for rice cultivation.

These conditions have had a direct impact on student attendance. School authorities said that while the school once had around 300 students, the number has now dropped to fewer than 100. Many guardians are reluctant to send their children to the school due to the unsafe environment.

Parents and local residents have demanded the immediate construction of a durable and safe school building, along with the recovery of the occupied playground land to ensure secure movement and recreational facilities for students.

Local social worker Badiuzzaman Sayed said that conducting regular classes in a dilapidated building is deeply concerning and warned that a major accident could occur if a new structure is not built promptly.

Headteacher Taslima Akter stated that the dangerous condition of the building has been reported multiple times, both in writing and verbally, to the Upazila Education Officer, but no effective action has been taken so far. She added that teachers and students are continuing classes under compulsion, despite the risks.

Patharghata Upazila Education Officer Jinat Jahan said the issues related to the school’s dilapidated building, playground, and boundary are being taken seriously, and necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of students.

END/MRR/SMA/