A spell of rain often brings more worry than relief for the students of Gobindaganj Government Primary School in Chhatak upazila of Sunamganj.
Just an hour of continuous rainfall is enough to leave the school compound submerged, disrupting classes and turning the daily journey to school into a challenge for hundreds of children.
Located in Chhatak’s Gobindaganj area, the school has been grappling with severe waterlogging for years.
Students said the playground, walkways and areas surrounding classrooms go underwater after even moderate rainfall, creating an unhealthy environment and hampering academic activities.
The school currently serves 467 students under the supervision of one head teacher and nine assistant teachers.
However, recurring waterlogging has made regular attendance and classroom activities increasingly difficult.
A recent visit to the school revealed stagnant rainwater covering much of the playground. Mud and scattered waste mixed with the water, creating slippery and unhygienic conditions.
Many students were seen carrying their shoes in their hands while wading through muddy water to reach their classrooms. Others had no choice but to sit through lessons in wet clothes.
Teachers say the situation not only disrupts lessons but also affects students’ concentration and overall learning experience.
“My daughter studies in Class One. Whenever it rains, she does not want to go to school,” said guardian Nilima Nasrin. “Even after an hour of rainfall, water enters the classroom premises. It is ruining the learning environment for young children.”
Parents and local residents blame the problem on the absence of an effective drainage system.
They fear that prolonged waterlogging could expose children to waterborne diseases, skin infections and mosquito-borne illnesses.
According to locals, the institution has been suffering from the same problem for years. They allege that inadequate drainage infrastructure and the dumping of waste around the school premises have worsened the situation over time.
Head teacher Mostak Ahmed said the situation becomes particularly difficult during the rainy season.
“Rainwater frequently enters the school compound and reaches the classrooms. Conducting classes under such conditions is extremely challenging,” he said. “The problem has intensified because waste materials have been dumped around the school, blocking the natural flow of water.”
The issue has drawn the attention of local education authorities.
Upazila Primary Education Officer Mohammad Shahjahan Ahmed said he had been informed about rainwater entering the school premises.
“We have heard about the situation. We will investigate the matter and take necessary steps accordingly,” he said.
Chhatak Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohi Uddin also assured action.
“We will look into the matter and discuss it with the relevant authorities to find a solution,” he said.
As the monsoon season gains momentum, parents, teachers and residents hope that promises of action will soon translate into tangible improvements, ensuring that rainfall no longer stands between children and their education.