Photo : Messenger
The Rudrabaria Government Primary School, situated in Chowkibari Union of Dhunat Upazila in Bogura, stands neglected and dilapidated, posing a serious threat to the safety of both teachers and students. Shockingly, despite reaching its centenary milestone, the school has yet to witness any new building construction.
The school, established 103 years ago by the esteemed local personality Namdar Khan, is now grappling with dire conditions. Currently operating at a dismal 34 percent capacity, the institution's roof has long been punctured, allowing rainwater to permeate the classrooms. The precarious state of the infrastructure has reached a point where accidents are imminent, with concerns raised about the structural integrity of the classrooms.
While several primary schools in the upazila have undergone new construction, Rudrabaria Government Primary School remains excluded from this essential development. The institution, which gained national recognition in 1973, began its journey with a modest setup of six classrooms.
In a notable effort during the BNP regime in the fiscal year 2005-6, a horizontal extension building was constructed, supported by the Local Government Engineering Directorate, Dhunat, at a cost of 12 lakh 46 thousand 775 taka. However, the current state of the school's infrastructure, with its dilapidated classrooms and two insufficiently maintained toilets, raises serious concerns about the overall safety and well-being of the students and staff.
Najma Sultana, the head teacher of Rudrabaria Government Primary School, expressed deep apprehension about the perilous condition of the buildings. She highlighted the challenges faced by students during the rainy season, emphasizing the risk of collapse, especially in classrooms with tin roofs.
Habibullah Mejbah Babu, the vice president of the institution, echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for a new building to ensure the safety of both teaching staff and students. Despite numerous attempts, a new building has not materialized, leaving the institution in a precarious state.
When approached for comments, Upazila Education Officer Bazlur Rahman acknowledged the prolonged efforts for new construction but expressed unawareness of the current progress. Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer Ashiq Khan, when questioned about actions taken by the Upazila Education Office, admitted to being uninformed about the situation.
As the Rudrabaria Government Primary School continues to operate in unsafe conditions, the community and concerned individuals hope for swift governmental intervention to address the pressing infrastructural needs of this century-old institution.
Messenger/Fameema
