Fifty-four years after its establishment, Lohshkar-Karulia Secondary School in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna continues to operate in a severely deteriorated building, raising concerns about the safety of nearly 200 students who attend classes there every day.
Plaster has fallen from several parts of the walls, exposing reinforcement rods and red bricks. The old roof and structural framework have also deteriorated over the years. During rain, water leaks through the roof and disrupts regular classes.
Established in 1972 and brought under the MPO system on January 1, 1985, the school has played an important role in expanding education in the area. However, its infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the needs of its growing student population.
Visible signs of deterioration can be seen throughout the main building. Plaster has peeled away from walls, leaving rods and bricks exposed, while concerns remain over the condition of the aging roof.
During the rainy season, leaking water makes classroom activities difficult and adds to students’ concerns about their safety.
Student Sabera Khatun said she wishes her school had a safe and modern learning environment like other schools.
“When we see the beautiful and safe buildings of other schools, we also wish we could attend classes in such classrooms. Water leaks through the roof on rainy days, making it difficult to concentrate on our studies.”
Another student, Sumi Akter, said she feels afraid while attending classes in the old building.
“We feel scared when we have classes in the old building. We want our school to be safe and beautiful too.”
Parents have echoed the students’ concerns, saying temporary repairs or patchwork would not provide a permanent solution. They believe the old structure should eventually be replaced with a safe and durable building.
Headteacher Mostak Ahmed said managing the safety of around 200 students every day has become a source of concern.
“Coming to school every day with responsibility for nearly 200 students is mentally stressful. The building is so old and risky that the problem cannot be solved simply by repainting or carrying out patchwork repairs.”
He said the school currently has 12 teachers, while seven teaching posts remain vacant.
However, he stressed that the shortage of teachers is less urgent than ensuring students’ safety.
“We expect the relevant authorities to conduct an on-site inspection and take swift steps to construct a new and safe building,” he said.
Residents question why students still have to study in a dilapidated building after the institution has spent more than five decades providing education to the community.
They called on the authorities to inspect the school’s infrastructure immediately and take necessary measures before a major accident occurs.
Teachers, students, guardians and local residents are now waiting for effective action from the relevant administration and the Education Engineering Department to ensure a safe learning environment for the nearly 200 students.
