Jhalokathi, Nov 20 (V7N) – For the past 17 years, several government primary schools in Jhalokathi district have been deprived of development due to political rivalry and ministerial influence. Among them, the 3 No. Purba Saturia Government Primary School in Rajapur Upazila has been declared abandoned and is now deemed structurally unsafe and unsuitable for education.

Despite being officially abandoned two years ago, the lack of an alternative building has forced teachers and students to continue classes in the deteriorating structure. Cracks in the walls and ceiling, falling plaster, and water leakage during light rain have made the classrooms unsafe, severely compromising the learning environment for young students.

School records and local sources indicate that the school was established in 1943 as a tin-and-wood structure. A four-room building was later constructed in 1993. In 2022, the Upazila Engineering Department officially declared the building unfit for use. Yet, due to the absence of an alternative facility, classroom activities continue in the abandoned building. Two of the four rooms are unsuitable for classes, with makeshift classrooms created using cloth dividers in the remaining rooms. The school lacks a proper boundary wall and playground, further diminishing its educational environment.

Fourth-grade student Nafisa said, “We attend classes in fear, always anxious about what could happen.” Fifth-grade student Maloti Mondal added that using the outdoor toilets linked to the library is difficult, causing significant discomfort. Another student, Sayem Jamaddar, described constant fear during rainfall as the ceiling leaks and plaster falls. Parents also reported that the school’s dilapidated condition is discouraging, and called on authorities to address the issue through media attention.

Local youth Niyaz Akon noted that the school environment is unconducive to learning, while community members highlighted that other schools in the area have modern buildings, boundary walls to protect against animals, and proper playgrounds, all absent at Purba Saturia.

Headmaster Md. Siddiqul Rahman said the school originally received funding in 1993 from then-Minister Shahjahan Omar of the BNP government. After the building became unfit, multiple requests for a new facility were made, but no action was taken. Currently, seven teachers are educating 140 students under extremely challenging conditions. Rahman emphasized the urgent need for a modern building, a boundary wall, and a proper playground.

Former Union Parishad Chairman Md. Hemayet Uddin Nuru Mia stated that political considerations have obstructed school development despite high-quality education and student performance. Upazila Primary Education Officer Akhtar Hossain confirmed that the issue has been reported to higher authorities. Jhalokathi District Education Engineering Department Assistant Engineer Khairul Islam acknowledged the problems and said the matter has been officially communicated to the relevant authorities, although no further action has yet been taken.

The community hopes that increased attention and allocation of resources will address the decades-long neglect and provide a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

END/AIJ/SMA/