School Building at Risk of Collapsing into Pond in Nandail, 300 Students in Panic.

Nandail (Mymensingh) Correspondent The only building of No. 130 Paschim Rasulpur Government Primary School in Nandail Upazila of Mymensingh has long been in a dilapidated and highly risky condition. On top of that, as the bank of the pond adjacent to the school has collapsed and reached the wall of the building, there is a risk of the building collapsing into the pond at any time. As a result, the safety and academic activities of about 300 students of the school are at serious risk. It was seen on the spot that the school was established in 1978 on 40 decimals of land in Paschim Rasulpur village. Later in 1994, a one-story concrete building was constructed. Although 32 years have passed, no significant renovation or development of the building has been done. Currently, cracks have appeared in various parts of the building. Plaster and concrete have fallen off the roof and beams of the classrooms, exposing the iron rods. There is no boundary wall, and the condition of the classrooms is also fragile. According to the school authorities, recently, while pre-primary classes were in progress, plaster and concrete suddenly fell from the roof and beams of the classroom. This caused panic among students and teachers. Due to the dilapidated condition of the building, young students have to come to school every day fearing an accident. Meanwhile, the bank of a privately owned pond belonging to Russell Mia and Haque Mia on the west side of the school building has broken and reached the wall of the building. As the rear part of the building is in the water, locals fear that the building may collapse into the pond at any time due to soil erosion. Parents have expressed concern that a major accident may occur if effective measures are not taken quickly. The head teacher of the school, Asadullah, said that the risky condition of the building and the need to construct a new concrete building have been informed to the concerned authorities several times. But no effective solution has been found yet. To ensure the safety of the students, he has sought urgent intervention of Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Member of Parliament for Nandail constituency and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Nandail Upazila Education Officer (Acting) Monowarul Islam said that an application has been received in this regard. The matter has been informed to the higher authorities. The demand of the locals and parents is that necessary measures must be taken quickly regarding the risky building for the safety of the students. At the same time, it is urgent to take initiatives to prevent the erosion of the pond and construct a new concrete building at the school.