Ctg division flood: Primary schools continue operations, parents outraged

Amidst dire flood conditions affecting Chattogram and Bandarban, a decision to keep primary schools operational has stirred a wave of discontent among the parents.

Meanwhile, the secondary-level educational institutions in the division, including Chittagong University, have been closed in response to the severe flood situation that has trapped approximately 2 million residents.

According to the Chattogram district education office, some 192 primary schools within the region have been inundated with floodwater.

After a college student named Nipa Palit, 22, died after drowning in flood water in Chattogram's Hathazari on Monday (7 August), parents and teachers got united in demanding the immediate closure of primary schools.

Remarkably, this is not the first time educational institutions have remained open during adverse conditions. In August 2022, Cyclone Sitrang claimed nine lives across Bangladesh; even then, primary schools remained open.

Concerned parents assert that primary schools should be shuttered during disasters like floods or cyclones to ensure the safety of their children.

Manwara Begum, a resident of the Chandgaon Shamsher Para area, lamented, "Our homes are flooded and the streets are waterlogged. Yet, primary schools are operating. Many parents are encountering tremendous difficulties on their way to school with kids."

A teacher from the Mohra Rajakhan Government Primary School expressed similar concerns.

"The entire route from Bahaddarhat to Kaptai Road goes underwater during monsoon. Despite this, the ongoing academic operation of schools compels students to navigate through adversity. 

"Historically, secondary schools and colleges have suspended operations during natural disasters, leaving parents and educators anxious about the well-being of primary school students," he told The Business Standard.

When contacted, Chattogram District Education Officer Shahidul Islam said, "So far, we have received news of water entering 192 primary schools. Besides, students are unable to come to many schools due to submerged roads. Hence, classes have been halted in these affected schools, but administrative activities continue."

Ultimately, the decision to close schools lies within the jurisdiction of the ministry, he added.

Md Asaduzzaman, joint secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said, "We are unaware of the current situation in Chattogram. We are convening urgently to address this matter. A resolution will be reached once we have a comprehensive understanding of the situation."

In the backdrop of days of heavy rainfall in Chattogram, numerous low-lying regions within the city have submerged, with flooding observed in various districts. The situation is further exacerbated by instances of landslides in multiple locations.

Meanwhile, Bandarban received the highest recorded rainfall in the country – 342 mm – within the preceding 24 hours, with precipitation continuing unabated.