Centurylong Pabna Primary School Building Hangs Over Pond Triggering Student Fear
Photo: Collected
A century-old primary school building in Faridpur Upazila of Pabna district faces imminent collapse as soil erosion from beneath its foundation threatens to plunge the structure directly into an adjacent pond. Despite the severe structural hazard and lack of alternative facilities, young children at the historic institution continue to attend classes under constant apprehension of disaster.
Established in 1915, the 111-year-old Vrilaharibari Government Primary School currently accommodates 265 students alongside 10 teaching and administrative staff members. The vulnerable single-story building was originally constructed in 1995 along the embankment of a nearby pond, which has now eroded the supporting soil and left a massive void beneath the foundation. Consequently, routine academic activities for students in the primary grades persist inside the perilous structure, raising widespread safety concerns among teachers, parents, and local residents.
School authorities have formally notified local administration officials on multiple occasions regarding the deteriorating condition of the infrastructure, yet remedial action remains absent. In addition to the precarious building foundation, the educational institution lacks a perimeter wall, causing rainwater to routinely accumulate and waterlog the front playground during minor downpours.
Students expressed acute distress over the daily danger they face while pursuing their education within the compromised classrooms. Third-grader Sumaiya Khatun reported severe anxiety during school hours due to the hollowed foundation beneath the building, while fifth-grade student Jamila Parvin admitted constant fear that the structure might slide into the pond at any moment. Headmistress Mosammat Nasima Nasrin confirmed that the persistent hazard terrorizes the enrolled children and noted that the Upazila Education Officer has been repeatedly briefed without securing any structural repairs, relocation, or alternative classrooms.
Addressing the crisis, Faridpur Upazila Primary Education Officer Kh. M. Jahangir Hossain stated that the dangerous situation has been communicated in writing to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Officials expressed optimism that administrative intervention will be initiated swiftly to avert any potential tragedy on the school premises.
