Khulna Bureau
Laskar Karulia Secondary School in Paikgacha upazila, Khulna, has seen virtually no infrastructural development in its more than 50-year history. Classes and administrative activities continue in an old, dilapidated building, leaving teachers and students exposed to the risk of accidents.
Teachers and guardians say the poor learning environment is also diminishing students’ interest in their studies. They believe a modern multi-storey building is essential to address the problem.
The school was established in 1972 in front of the Laskar Union Land Office and brought under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme on January 1, 1985. More than 200 students are currently enrolled, but the institution lacks adequate and safe infrastructure.
The main building is in a severely dilapidated condition, with plaster falling from the walls and brickwork and reinforcing rods exposed. The roof is also in poor condition, and water leaks through it during the monsoon, disrupting classes and raising safety concerns.
Sabera Khatun, a student, said, “We have to come to school every day fearing an accident. Studies are disrupted during the monsoon because water leaks through the roof.”
Guardian Md. Hazrat Ali said, “Even a club room wouldn’t be in such a wretched state as this school. A new multi-storey building is essential to create an environment suitable for education.”
Headmaster Mustak Ahmed said conducting classes for more than 200 students in the dilapidated building had become extremely difficult. He said 12 teachers are currently employed at the school, while seven positions remain vacant.
He said whitewashing or patchwork repairs could not solve the problem and that a modern multi-storey building was essential for a safe learning environment.
S.M. Chayedur Rahman, the Khulna District Education Officer, said it was not possible to comment definitively on the school’s condition without inspecting it personally. He assured that the building would be assessed and the matter reported to the relevant engineers and higher authorities.
Teachers, students, guardians and local residents have demanded immediate action to resolve the school’s infrastructure problems. #EK
