The ongoing primary education activities in seven flood-affected districts of the Chattogram division are being severely disrupted due to a shortage of essential resources. Recent floods have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure and furniture of around 3,000 primary schools, impacting approximately 270,000 students. Many students lost their books, notebooks, and school uniforms during the disaster.
Despite more than a month passing since the floods, many schools remain unfit for regular classes. This has created significant challenges in preparing for the upcoming annual exams, according to teachers and parents.
Teachers and parents have expressed concerns that most of the affected students still do not have access to textbooks, notebooks, and other necessary educational materials. Floodwaters continue to linger in some areas, delaying the repairs needed to make the schools operational again. They emphasized the urgent need to supply educational materials and expedite school repairs to restore a conducive learning environment.
Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Divisional Deputy Director of Primary Education for Chattogram, confirmed that classes have resumed in the affected schools, though the damage to various resources during the floods has prevented the full restoration of educational activities.
He also said that teachers have been given instructions to restart classroom activities and that district education officers have been tasked with submitting requisition forms for essential supplies like uniforms, school bags, and textbooks. Efforts are being made to provide these materials through both government and non-government initiatives.
Regarding the annual exams, Shafiqul Islam added that there is still time until December, and it is expected that there will be no significant issues in holding the exams. He assured that every effort will be made to support students in their studies, including assistance from private sector donors.
According to the Directorate of Primary Education, districts including Chattogram, Khagrachari, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Brahmanbaria have all experienced varying levels of damage to their schools due to the floods. However, the primary schools in Feni, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, Noakhali, Chandpur, Khagrachari, and Chattogram were the hardest hit.
Out of 11,576 primary schools in the Chattogram division, 3,049 were affected by the floods, with 2,233 suffering the most damage. These schools collectively serve around 270,000 students, including 120,772 boys and 148,240 girls.
Efforts are underway to distribute 266,280 school bags and 269,417 sets of school uniforms in the flood-affected areas. District education officers are also working to assess the demand for textbooks, and authorities are optimistic that there will be no shortage of books for the affected students.
