The fragile state of educational infrastructure in the southern region of Barishal has once again drawn serious concern as at least 871 school buildings across the district have been officially declared risky. Due to prolonged neglect, lack of regular maintenance, and failure to undertake timely renovation projects, hundreds of educational institutions have transformed into hazardous structures, posing a severe threat to the lives of thousands of students and teachers.
According to local sources, the condition of primary and secondary school buildings in rural areas is particularly alarming. Many of these structures exhibit major cracks on their roofs, walls, and pillars. During the monsoon season, rainwater continuously leaks through the ceilings, rendering classrooms unusable and damaging academic supplies. Despite these life-threatening conditions, academic activities are forced to continue simply because there are no alternative classrooms available. Instances of plaster and chunks of concrete suddenly detaching from ceilings during classes have heightened the sense of danger among attendees.
This grim reality has triggered constant panic among young students and their parents, who spend their days in acute anxiety while their children are at school. Experts warn that these dilapidated structures could easily collapse during a moderate earthquake or severe storm. Although local education authorities have inspected the sites on multiple occasions, visible progress or swift emergency repair initiatives remain painfully slow due to bureaucratic red tape and funding constraints.
Teacher associations have noted that student attendance is gradually declining in many institutions due to safety apprehensions. The precarious environment not only disrupts the standard educational process but also casts a shadow of potential catastrophe over the local academic community. Teachers, guardians, and civil society members have urgently demanded the immediate demolition of these vulnerable structures and the construction of modern, safe academic buildings in their place.
In response to the growing crisis, relevant government offices are reportedly finalizing lists of the dilapidated buildings to submit to higher authorities for emergency allocation. However, educationists emphasize that mere surveys and paperwork will not suffice; immediate financial disbursement and structural interventions are crucial to avert any tragic loss of life and to ensure a safe learning environment for the future generation of the region.
