Roadwork disrupts classes, puts students at risk

Road development work in front of Gobardhanpur Government Primary School in Narendrapur village of Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila has been disrupting academic activities and posing health risks to students.

The ongoing road project from Kamalganj upazila to Adampur involves daily construction work, including burning fires to melt pitch, directly in front of the school’s main gate. Thick black smoke, dust and ash from the work are spreading across the school premises and entering classrooms, corridors and teachers’ rooms.

During visits to the area, pitch-melting operations were seen being carried out during school hours, with smoke billowing into classrooms.

Teachers said students frequently suffer from coughing, eye irritation, breathing difficulties and dizziness, while excessive noise from construction work is also affecting their concentration.

“Many students fall sick during classes. Even after closing doors and windows, smoke and dust still enter the classrooms. This is extremely harmful for young children,” said a teacher.

Headteacher AKM Manjur Moula Chowdhury said all construction equipment had been placed in front of the school, worsening the situation.

“We have informed the upazila education officer and the engineer, but no effective steps have been taken so far,” he said.

Parent Mifta Mia described the situation as “inhumane” and demanded the immediate removal of construction materials from the front of the school, calling for urgent measures to ensure a safe learning environment.

Upazila Primary Assistant Education Officer Soma Bhattacharjee said the issue had been reported to higher authorities for immediate action.

Upazila Engineer Saiful Azam said the space was being used temporarily due to a lack of open areas along the road. He added that the school was reportedly closed earlier and that the project was now nearing completion, expected to finish within a week.

Kamalganj UNO Md Asaduzzaman said the administration was looking into the matter and taking necessary steps.