Identify highly risky schools in 15 days

The primary and mass education ministry yesterday asked all district primary education officers to identify the highly risky primary school buildings across the country and inform the ministry within 15 days.

The ministry came up with the directive following the death of a third grader at her classroom in Barguna's Taltali upazila on Saturday.

At least 10 more students were injured in the incident at PK Government Primary School.

In an order yesterday, the ministry asked the district primary education officers (DPEOs) to visit the primary schools before identifying the risky buildings.

In assessing the vulnerability, DPEOs may seek assistance from the engineers of the local government division, said the order signed by Mohammad Nurunnabi, senior assistant secretary at the primary and mass education ministry.

On Sunday, the ministry has also formed a two-member committee to probe the incident.

The committee members -- Directorate of Primary Education Director Saber Hossain and Deputy Secretary Mahbubur Rashid -- have been asked to submit the report within three working days.

Meanwhile, the High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the respondents to explain within four weeks why they should not be directed to pay compensation to the families of Barguna school victims.