Jhalakathi school under threat of river erosion

Mathbari Union High School in the district is under threat of erosion by Bishkhali River as the river has been devouring land every day, putting the education of 350 students in uncertainty.          

The school was established in 1970 at Badurtola Bazar in Rajapur for teaching students of Class VI to Class X.

“We are afraid of attending classes due to erosion, which may destroy our school at any time,” said Nazrul Islam, a student of Class X.

The school playground is being eroded, Headmaster Md Ayub Ali Khan said, adding that the river will devour the building soon if erosion continues. 

The SSC examinees will be the worst sufferers if the school goes into the river, added the headmaster.

“The school should be shifted as soon as possible, otherwise all the furniture and equipment may be lost if it goes into the river suddenly,” Ayub Ali said.

“I have told the departments concerned to take steps to protect the school, but to no avail. At the same time we are trying to find a safe place for it,” said president of the school managing committee engineer Golam Haider Khan.

“I visited the spot recently and we will inform the higher authorities about the matter,” said acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Rajapur Md Rafiqul Islam.