Flood halts academic activities at 337 schools, colleges in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat

Academic activities of 337 educational institutions – 307 in Kurigram and 30 in Lalmonirhat – have remained suspended for one week due to the ongoing flood.

Of the total, 315 are primary schools, 20 secondary schools and two colleges, reports our Lalmonirhat correspondent quoting education offices of the two districts.

Shariful Islam, a student of class five who lives on the bank of the Brahmaputra river in Kurigram Sadar upazila, said his books and stationery items have been washed away by the flood water along with furniture of his house. He does not know how he would continue his studies once school reopens, Shariful said.

His father Atiqul Islam said they left their home and took shelter on the road. The family of six has been living under a makeshift hut for last one week.

Atiqul said he already informed teachers that Shariful has lost his books in the flood.

Abdul Gafur, chairman of Jatrapur Union Parishad in Kurigram Sadar upazila, said books and stationery items of many students of flood-hit families have been washed away.

He has already informed the local education office and urged the authorities concerned to provide assistance, including supplying new books, to the students from the flood-hit families.

Khalid Hasan, a student of class four at Sardob Satkalua Govt Primary School in Kurigram Sadar upazila, informed that his school had been closed for eight days.

The villagers are now fishing on the school ground, he said.

Contacted, Kurigram district primary education officer Shahidul Islam said teaching activities would resume in schools once the floodwater recedes. Many schools are being used as shelters for the flood victims, he said.

Arrangements of new book would be made for those whose books were washed away in the flood, he added.