Govt to identify unsafe primary school buildings

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has asked the authorities concerned to identify risky government primary schools buildings across the country and submit the report within 15 days.

Issuing the order on Monday, the ministry suggested assistance from upazila engineers and the Local Government Division, if necessary.

Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister, Md Tajul Islam, has also directed officials concerned to identify risky school buildings across Bangladesh.

Also Read - Third grader killed in school ceiling collapse in Barguna

He also promised stern punishment for those involved in the faulty construction of buildings. He assured building reconstruction as needed.

Earlier on Sunday, the High Court issued a ruling asking respondents to explain within four weeks why compensation should not be given to students who were killed and injured when a school ceiling collapse in Barguna.

The primary and mass education secretary, Barguna deputy commissioner, Amtali upazila education officer, and the president of Choto Bogi PK Government Primary School Managing Committee, were made respondents to the ruling.

Also Read - Probe committee: Construction of Barguna school subpar

Mansura from Gendamara village in Amtali upazila, a third-grader at Choto Bogi PK Government Primary School, was killed and four other students were injured when a chunk of concrete from the roof of their classroom fell on them.

The Barguna district administration has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the incident.

Also Read - HC: Why won’t victims of the Barguna school accident be compensated?

Locals blamed unscrupulous contractors for faulty construction, using poor-quality materials, and the negligence of the Primary Education Directorate.

Barguna Deputy Commissioner Kabir Mahmud said the government has given Tk20,000 to the victim’s family.