Relentless rainfall submerges educational institutions in Satkhira
SM Sahidul Islam, Satkhira
Continuous rainfall has caused severe waterlogging in most educational institutions across Satkhira.
Over a hundred government and non-government primary, secondary, higher secondary, and college-level institutions now have knee-deep water standing in their courtyards. As a result, regular classes, as well as ongoing HSC and half-yearly examinations, are being severely disrupted.
Water has entered schools like Patkelghata Amirunnesa High School, Milani High School in Kaliganj, and Baddipur Primary School in Sadar upazila, among many others. Numerous institutions, from the city to the rural outskirts, are submerged, heavily hampering academic activities. Students, especially those sitting for half-yearly and HSC exams, are facing immense suffering.
Even school playgrounds are waterlogged with stagnant, dirty water. Parents reported that it's not just difficult for students to concentrate; they don’t even have a proper place to sit during exams.
Children are unable to attend school regularly due to the waterlogging. Many are falling sick with colds and fevers. One parent asked, “How can we send our children to school in such conditions? The academic process is being seriously hampered.”
Local residents said, more than 50 educational institutions in different wards and suburbs of Satkhira are currently submerged. School and madrasa yards, playgrounds, and classrooms are all underwater.
Teachers said, ongoing half-yearly exams are being conducted in difficult conditions. Sometimes, due to power outages, photocopying and administrative tasks are halted.
Residents blamed the local administration and municipality for failing to address the issue. The city’s drainage system has long been neglected. Encroachment and pollution of canals have left no path for water to drain, say civic leaders.
Satkhira Sadar UNO Shoaib Ahmad said , after inspecting some waterlogged areas, said, “We’ve held multiple discussions with fish enclosure owners and stakeholders. We hope the situation will improve soon.”
Shyamnagar UNO Ms. Roni Khatun acknowledged reports of waterlogging from several areas and urged all individuals—whether on personal or leased property—to remove any obstructions to drainage.
Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Mostak Ahmed emphasized the need for coordinated action, saying that solving the waterlogging problem is beyond the capacity of the Upazila administration alone. He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders.
Satkhira district has over 2,000 educational institutions across its seven upazilas. Among these are more than 1,300 government primary schools, over 500 secondary-level institutions, and more than 60 colleges. There are 79 Ebtedayee madrasas in the district.
In Tala Upazila: 12 colleges, 60 secondary schools, 119 primary schools, and 21 madrasas.
In Kolaroa Upazila: 10 colleges, 46 secondary schools, 4 technical institutions, 124 primary schools, 5 satellite schools, and 64 madrasas.
In Satkhira Sadar Upazila: 11 colleges, 1 primary teacher training institute, 1 vocational training institute, 1 private technical school, 1 homeopathy college, 1 law college, 72 secondary schools, 288 primary schools, 48 madrasas, and 11 kindergartens.
In Assasuni Upazila: 2 colleges, 34 secondary schools, 148 primary schools, 7 community primary schools, 43 satellite schools, 30 NGO education centers, and 19 madrasas.
In Debhata Upazila: 4 colleges, 15 secondary schools, 35 government primary schools, 21 registered primary schools, 4 junior schools, 2 community schools, and 11 madrasas.
In Kaliganj Upazila: 4 colleges, approximately 26 secondary schools, 86 government primary schools, and 35 private primary schools.
In Shyamnagar Upazila: 5 colleges, 28 secondary schools, 96 government primary schools, 56 private primary schools, and 98 madrasas.
