Sunamganj pry school struggles as 9 grades share only 3 classrooms

A government primary school in the haor region of Madhyanagar upazila of Sunamganj district is grappling with severe infrastructure and staffing shortages, forcing it to operate nine grades of classes in just three rooms. 

With no proper classrooms, toilets or drinking water, the learning environment at Chapaiti Government Primary School of the upazila is in a dire state; a situation that continues to hinder quality education for its students.

Established as a primary school, the institution received permission to expand up to grade eight under 2010 National Education Policy, which extended primary education from grade five to eight. Chapaiti was among 627 schools nationwide selected for the pilot expansion in 2013–14. 

However, the necessary infrastructure, staffing and financial resources to support this upgrade never followed.

During a visit to the school, it was found that students of different classes;  including grade 3 and grade 6, were crammed into a single room. While a teacher was conducting a Bengali lesson for younger students, older ones sat silently, trying to follow along.

The school currently has only four teachers to manage all nine grades and a total of 93 students. 

Acting Head Master Masud Rana said that despite their best efforts, it’s impossible for such a small team to meet the educational needs of all students under the current conditions.

He also noted that the school recently received electricity after nearly 18 months without power. However, its only bathroom became unusable after being damaged during last year’s floods. 

He stressed the urgent need for a new wash block and additional furniture.

Parents have echoed these concerns. Md Shah Alam, a guardian, stated that the school sits on just nine decimals of land, making expansion difficult. 

However, a nearby 30-decimal plot was recently donated for new construction. 

He urged the authorities to construct a multi-storied building and address staffing shortages without delay.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Delwar Hossain acknowledged the crisis and said teacher shortages are a common issue across most schools in the haor area. 

He assured that a proposal for a new school building would be sent and that efforts are ongoing to resolve the school’s various challenges.

Despite promises, the school and its students continue to wait for a basic right; the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.