In the remote char areas of Kurigram-such as Rajarhat, Roumari, and Ulipur-childhood is slowly disappearing, swept away by the currents of the Teesta, Brahmaputra, and Dharla rivers. Here, children are often forced to drop out of school, their futures consumed by the harsh realities of poverty, malnutrition, and recurring natural disasters.
A recent visit to these vulnerable river islands reveals a grim picture. Children, instead of attending school, are seen peeling peanuts, cooking over clay stoves, carrying firewood, or helping their fathers with farming and house construction-all under the scorching sun.
In Bogurapara of Ghorialdanga Union, 10-year-old Moyna was found feeding firewood into a stove. "I studied until class three. Now I care for my baby brother because my mother works in the fields. If I study, who will cook and carry food to my parents?" she asked.
For many children here, schooling is a distant dream. Even reaching school can be treacherous. Parents hesitate to send children across rivers alone. During the monsoon, the chars are submerged, schools are closed, and transport becomes unsafe or unavailable.
Momena Begum, a mother from Fakirer Char in Bazra Union, said, "My daughter used to attend school across the river. One day, the boat capsized during a storm. Since then, I've never let her return."
In Dharmapur Char of Roumari's Datbhanga Union, the lone school building was devoured by river erosion last year. Children like Setu, Manik, Chhobi, and Bakul have since dropped out.
Teachers report severe malnutrition among students, leading to poor concentration and frequent illnesses. Dalim Hossain, head teacher of Gharialdanga Khitabka Government Primary School, said, "Some children can barely hold their books. They often come to school on an empty stomach, and most suffer from weakness or illness."
Adding to the crisis is parental apathy or economic pressure. Nurul Mia of Fulbari Char remarked, "My son left school two years ago. He works in the fields now. What's the point of studying? Farm work is more useful."
Other contributing factors to school dropout include child labour, early marriage, and even child trafficking, especially during the monsoon when displacement is high, and supervision is low. Boys are often found working in markets, driving boats, or tilling land, while girls are married off before reaching maturity.
Shocking Statistics from Kurigram Char Areas: School dropout rate is 40-50%, Unvaccinated children is: 30-40%, and Child labour (ages 10-14)- over 1,000 children engaged.
Atikur Rahman, a child rights activist, warned, "Children in the chars are losing not just access to education-but their entire childhood. The government and NGOs must step in with special interventions like boat schools and mobile classrooms during monsoon months."
Rokeya Khatun, Coordinator of Lighthouse, an NGO at Ulipur, echoed this call. "We need community-based schools, boat education, nutrition programs like school meals, free learning materials, and local administration involvement to monitor and reduce child labor. Shelters for displaced children are also vital."
In response, Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Nusrat Sultana said, "Our education officers are inspecting schools regularly. Midday meals are being introduced where possible. Stipends are also being given to students. But we need greater parental awareness. Teachers are already working hard in this regard."
Unless urgent and targeted action is taken, the dreams of thousands of children in Kurigram's char regions will continue to be washed away with the tides.
