Dilapidated school building poses risk to students in Feni

Satyapur Government Primary School, constructed in 1987, is in a dilapidated state with broken doors, shattered windowpanes, unsafe sidewalls and a tin roof that has been partially uprooted. Photo-UNB

Feni, Jan 6 – Over 100 students of the Satyapur Government Primary School in Dagonbhuiyan upazila of Feni district, are risking their lives attending classes in a dangerously dilapidated building.

The school building, constructed in 1987, is in a state of disrepair, with broken doors, shattered windowpanes, unsafe sidewalls and a tin roof that has been partially uprooted.

During the rainy season, classes are often disrupted as water leaks through the roof, forcing students to stay home.

Additionally, the school lacks a playground, hygienic washrooms and sufficient classrooms, creating a challenging environment for both students and teachers.

Originally the school had four classrooms, but over the years, the old building became unsafe and was abandoned.

In 2011, a new concrete structure with two classrooms was constructed 100 yards from the original site.

However, the limited space has proven inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students, forcing them to use the hazardous tin-roofed building.

Currently, the school has 103 students enrolled from nursery to fifth grade.

However, many guardians are reluctant to send their children to the school due to safety concerns and the lack of a proper learning environment.

Students including Rudra Chandra Das, Jannatul Mawa and Sadika Akter shared their struggles.

"When it rains, water drips onto us, soaking our clothes, books, and notebooks," they said. "The broken doors and windows make it impossible to concentrate in class. We feel unsafe, and it seems the building could collapse at any moment."

Mizanur Rahman, a guardian, highlighted another issue saying "The new building lacks proper toilet facilities, forcing students to cross the road to use the unhygienic old one."

Expressing frustration, Nazmun Nesa, an assistant teacher, said "We are compelled to hold classes in the unsafe building due to a lack of alternatives. The two classrooms in the new building are insufficient for all students.”

Acting Headmaster Mohammad Elias said "Both buildings are unfit for use, but we have no choice but to conduct classes here. Managing academic activities across two separate locations adds to the challenges. A new building is urgently needed to address this crisis."

Daganbhuiyan Upazila Primary Education Officer Saifur Rahman said plans are underway to construct a new building to resolve the issue.

Feni District Primary Education Officer Nasir Uddin said, "If the headmaster submits an application, we will forward the matter to the higher authorities for necessary action." - UNB