Jhalakathi, July 5 (V7N) — At the 99 No. Upper East Choto Koibartkhali Government Primary School, only six students are currently enrolled in grades three to five, yet five teachers are assigned to teach them. On a recent inspection, it was observed that classrooms were mostly empty, with only four teachers and six students present. Some students from different grades were found chatting in a classroom without any teacher supervising.

Attendance records for pre-primary and lower grades had not been marked even by 2:15 pm. When questioned, teachers were seen marking attendance arbitrarily. Official records claim 51 students enrolled, but locals report only 10 to 15 students attend regularly. Despite having a multimedia classroom, it remains unused as the headteacher has kept the school laptop at her home for personal use.

Additional issues include teachers not adhering to official working hours and taking unscheduled leave, often closing the school unexpectedly.

Headteacher Sahida Khanom stated that although 51 students are registered, 30-35 attend daily, and attendance is marked regularly except for occasional lapses. She said the multimedia equipment is new but not yet operational, and the laptop was not brought back after Eid holidays due to ongoing exams. She requested the media to withhold publishing the story.

Rajapur Upazila Primary Education Officer Aktar Hossain commented that government laptops must remain at schools during operational hours, and attendance must be recorded during class. He confirmed that the headteacher will be questioned over the low attendance and other allegations.

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