147 schools in Jashore in dire state

The school buildings of around 150 primary schools in Jashore are at serious risk of collapse and of some other hazards due to the dire condition of the infrastructure.

Many school buildings do not have adequate light and ventilation, while many others lack hygienic toilet facilities. 

The district education office says that 147 out of 1,285 primary schools are in this sorry state, and this is affecting teaching at these schools. 

The district primary education officer, Sheikh Ohidul Alam said: "We have found 147 institutions to be in a bad state. Despite the risk, classes continue to be held there because there is no alternative place." 

"We have already sent a list of the dilapidated institutions to the concerned ministry", he said, expressing the hope that effective steps will be taken about them soon. 

A visit to Ghop Seba Sangha Government Primary School, an institution in the Jashore Sadar town, revealed that the school building was in bad condition, with cracks on the walls. 

"Since there is no alternative space, we have to continue holding classes despite the risk," Sayeeda Yasmin, the head teacher of the institution said.

The condition of Nalia Government Primary School in Fatehpur union under Sadar Upazila is even worse. The school building is badly damaged, and may be the cause of a serious accident any time, with the loss of lives.

Sources at the district education office said Sharsha Upazila is the top among eight upazilas in the district with 41 hazardous primary schools. It is followed by Manirampur Upazila with 29 dilapidated schools.

Besides, there are 25 hazardous primary schools in Jhikargachha Upazila, 18 in Sadar Upazila, 15 in Bagherpara, 12 in Chaugacha, three in Abhaynagar, and four in Keshabpur.

Farhad Hossain, headmaster of Nalia Government Primary School in Sadar Upazila said: "After the school was founded in 1921 it was turned into a building with tinned rooftop in 1995. Since then no construction work has taken place, leaving the school building and its roof in a disastrous condition."

"We are teaching 310 students risking lives," he said adding that they informed upazila education office of the issue but no action has been taken yet.