Habib Sarwar Azad, Sylhet Bureau 

 Despite being established 58 years ago, the infrastructural condition of Mohishkhola Dakhil Madrasa in Mohonganj Upazila under Sunamganj district remains in severe neglect, forcing teachers and students to conduct academic activities under the constant fear of structural collapse.

Safety concerns have recently compelled authorities to lock up two damaged classrooms.

Established in 1968, the institution currently enrolls 550 students. However, severe classroom shortages persist, forcing students to attend lessons crowded into three small tin-shed structures alongside the dilapidated main building.

Field inquiries revealed that the single-story building was constructed in 1995 by the Facilities Department. Due to decades of unaddressed maintenance, deep cracks have formed across the structure, and plaster along with concrete chunks frequently detachment from the ceilings. To prevent casualties, madrasa authorities locked two classrooms.

The institution currently operates with 13 teachers while six teaching positions remain vacant. It also employs one third-class and three fourth-class staff members. Teachers, students, and parents noted that overcrowded conditions in the temporary tin-shed rooms severely hamper the learning environment.

"The building is extremely hazardous. For safety reasons, we locked two classrooms. Due to acute space constraints, conducting regular academic activities has become exceptionally difficult," said Acting Superintendent Md. Anwar Hossain.

Billal Hossain, president of the madrasa managing committee, said, "The single-story structure is in a dangerous state. The student body is far too large for our current facilities. We have repeatedly submitted applications to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) District Engineer in Sunamganj requesting a new building."

Addressing the issue, Sunamganj District Secondary Education Officer Md. Zulfiqar stated that infrastructural and building construction matters fall under the jurisdiction of the LGED district executive engineer's office.

When contacted on Saturday, Sunamganj LGED Executive Engineer Md. Anwar Hossain said he would look into the pending applications regarding the construction of a new building for Mohishkhola Dakhil Madrasa.