When 79 years is not enough

How long does it take to solve a trivial problem at a school where hundreds of youngsters take their first lessons to be good human beings and responsible citizens of the country?

If one is asking about Bezra Narandia Government Primary School, on 83 decimals of land in Magura's Mohammadpur upazila, the answer is apparently more than 79 years!

Since its inception in 1941 in Nohata union of the upazila, the school somewhat remained waterlogged for most part of the year, usually from June to December.

All through those years, the school witnessed fall and rise of many political powers and governments during three different eras -- the British, the Pakistani and the Bangladeshi. 

But no department official of any of the governments or public representatives took notice of the children's plight, nor did they consider the negative physiological or psychological impact the prolonged loss of physical activity might have on the school's children.

The school currently has 353 students and 9 teachers. Its students have been doing well in the Primary Education Completion examinations every year, with 100 percent pass rate in most years. Out of the students who passed, two secured Talent Pool last year and five secured the same the year before.

When the school's playground is submerged in water, the children have no other option but to take part in the school assembly in the hallway, in front of their classrooms, said Nahid Sultana, the head teacher of the school.

Had they not faced the adverse situation for most part of the year, their results might have been better, she also said.  

Raghabendra Mohan Das, an assistant teacher at the school, said although physical education and outdoor sports are essential for a child's physical and mental wellbeing, they have been unable to provide them with such activities during the months when the playground remains under water.  

Fifth grader Nusrat Jahan Munira said she and her classmates get bored during breaks when they are not able to play outside due to the water logging. 

During those days, attending school and remaining stuck in the classrooms are quite difficult, said Fahim Hossain, a fourth grader.

Denying any responsibility and jurisdiction over the school, Nohata Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Mohammad Ali Miah said especially in the last 10 to 15 years, the system of natural drainage around the school have been obstructed by unplanned construction of structures, such as houses and ponds, with elevated foundations and banks.

Construction of a drainage network around the school compound and connecting it with the nearby Ichhamoti Beel could be a probable solution to the problem, he added. 

Noor Mohammad, education officer in Mohammadpur upazila, claimed ignorance over the situation and also passed the responsibility onto others. He said, "Why didn't the head teacher tell me about it before she told you?"  

He, however, said that since he was made aware of the water logging situation by this correspondent, he would now do the due diligence before taking steps to rectify the problem at the school.

School managing committee chairman Mohammad Ali Mia (not the UP chairman) said after they contacted the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Mohammadpur upazila and sought his assistance in resolving the school's longstanding water logging problem, the UNO has assured him of taking all necessary steps after paying a visit to the school at the soonest.  

Nahid Sultana, the head teacher, said, being advised by Wahiduzzaman, assistant education officer in the upazila, she already wrote a letter to the UNO and the UP chairman, seeking support in resolving the water logging problem at the school.

Contacted, UNO Mizanur Rahman said he was not aware that the situation at the school had been prevailing for such a long time.

He would visit the school within two to three days and take all steps necessary to resolve the problem once and for all, he added.