Classes Continue in Unsafe School Building in Kalia, Teachers and Parents Fear Accidents

Plaster is falling from the ceiling, rainwater leaks into classrooms, and young students are attending lessons inside a dilapidated building with deteriorating walls and unstable infrastructure. Despite the risk of accidents, students have no alternative but to continue their education in the unsafe building.

This is the situation at Mahajan Uttar Para Government Primary School in Mauli Union of Kalia upazila in Narail district. The deteriorating condition of the school building has raised growing concerns among teachers and parents, who are demanding immediate repairs or the construction of a new building to ensure students' safety.

During an on-site visit to the school on Sunday (October 11), all three classrooms were found to be in a dilapidated condition. Plaster had fallen from several sections of the ceiling, while rainwater leaking through the roof disrupted classroom activities during rainfall.

The school also faces shortages of essential furniture and electric fans. These problems have made it increasingly difficult to conduct classes in a normal and safe learning environment. Students are continuing their lessons inside classrooms considered structurally unsafe.

Headteacher Ila Rani Sarkar expressed concern over the situation, saying, "Conducting classes in a dilapidated building is risky. Despite informing the higher authorities in writing, no effective measures have been taken."

Her remarks highlighted both the school's infrastructure problems and growing concerns over the safety of its students.

School Management Committee President Nahida Akter, Assistant Teacher Abdul Quddus Musalli and parent Shahid Mridha also expressed concern about the building's current condition.

They said continuing educational activities in such classrooms poses risks to students and stressed the need for immediate renovation or the construction of a new school building without further delay.

Regarding the matter, Md Wahiduzzaman, Assistant Upazila Education Officer (AUEO) of the Khashial Cluster, said, "The school has been included in the list of dilapidated buildings. Two official letters, including a proposal to construct a temporary structure, have been sent to the relevant authorities."

People familiar with the situation emphasised that ensuring safe classrooms for primary school students is essential. They warned that continuing classes in a deteriorating building could expose students and teachers to unexpected accidents.

Teachers, parents and members of the School Management Committee have therefore called for swift and effective action to address the school's infrastructure problems.

They expressed hope that the relevant authorities would prioritise students' safety and take the necessary measures without delay.