Mahmudul Hasan Kawsar, Sonagazi (Feni)

The main building of Sonagazi Government Primary School in Sonagazi Upazila of Feni has become extremely risky. Despite the threat of a major accident at any moment, hundreds of young students are taught in this dilapidated and cracked building every day. As a result, teachers and students are constantly having to come to school with fear and risking their lives.

On-site inspection of the school revealed that serious cracks have appeared in the pillars at the front of the office room and in various places. The plaster of the front pillar has fallen off, exposing the inner rods, and the long cracks are getting bigger day by day. The walls of various parts of the building are damp and moss has fallen. The plaster of the interior of the classrooms and the balcony roof is constantly falling off, said school officials. In addition, there is a considerable shortage of rooms and teachers. There are 8 teachers against 274 students. Where there is a need for 10 teachers. It is also known that there is an extreme security risk due to the lack of office and security guards and the school's boundary wall. In addition, due to the lack of safe water, many children are thirsty or forced to drink unsafe water.

A teacher at the school, who did not want to be named, said, "We are always in a state of panic. It becomes difficult to concentrate in class because of the fear of the roof or walls collapsing. But since there is no alternative arrangement, we are forced to take classes in this risky building. In addition, since there is no office or security guard at the school, there is no one to serve water or tea when there is an exam, meeting or guest, and there is no one to immediately assist the teachers in their general institutional work."

A guardian named Kausar Mahmud said, Sonagazi Government Primary School is located in the heart of the upazila. We are afraid to send our children to this risky building every day. Cracks have appeared in various places in the building. A major accident can happen at any time. Therefore, we strongly demand from the concerned authorities to quickly construct or renovate a new building.

School management committee vice-president Hasan Masud said, "The safety of children should be given top priority. We are always in fear as classes continue in risky buildings. It is important to take quick and effective measures to ensure that students are taught in a safe environment."

Some parents expressed their anger and said that they cannot stay at home peacefully by sending their children to school. Their anxiety increases with even a slight rain or storm. The building could collapse at any time, causing a major humanitarian disaster. It is feared that the school's dilapidated condition is also causing a decline in student attendance. Local residents and parents have strongly demanded that the administration and the Department of Primary Education immediately declare this risky building abandoned and construct a new building or provide safe teaching at an alternative location.

Sonagazi Government Primary School Headmaster Hossain Ahmed said, the school is beset with various problems. The main problem is our main building. It is extremely risky. Since there is no office-cum-guard, there is no reliable carrier to send and bring urgent letters or documents to the Upazila or District Education Office. Cleaning every morning, unlocking the locks on time and locking the classrooms and main gate securely after the holidays, most of the time, is done by the headmaster, assistant teachers and young students.

In this regard, Upazila Primary Education Officer Taherul Islam said, "I have seen it myself. The condition of the building is absolutely risky. If I receive a written complaint that it is a risky building, I will write to the Upazila Engineer to take necessary action."

It is mentioned that this time, 21 students from Sonagazi Government Primary School participated in the government primary scholarship exam and 18 received scholarships.