School bell to ring again in deep hilly area following PMO’s initiative

The private educational institution in the remote hilly region of Nayapara Union under Alikadam Upazila of Bandarban is known as Sakhalanpara Private Primary School.

More than 50 children from surrounding areas are enrolled at the school. In early July, the school building completely collapsed due to persistent heavy rainfall, bringing academic activities to a halt.

A local student leader raised the issue with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Prompt action was subsequently taken, and a new building is now under construction at a cost of Taka 10 lakh.

The construction of the new school building is expected to be completed this month, allowing the school bell to ring once again in the remote hills.

Local guardians have expressed their gratitude for the initiative taken by the Prime Minister’s Office. Talking to BSS, Chai Hla Mong Marma, a resident of Nayapara, said, “The school in our remote area was destroyed by the rain, and the education of our children was disrupted.

“I had believed that the school would no longer be reconstructed. However, it is encouraging to see the government swiftly proceeding with the construction of the school building following the announcement.

“Thanks to the prompt action taken by the Prime Minister’s Office, one of the educational shelters for children in the remote hilly region is on track to be restored. Once construction is completed, the sounds of students will once again resonate across the hillside, and the ‘light of education’ will illuminate the depths of the hills,” Mong Marma said.

It has been reported that Sakhalanpara Private Primary School, situated in the remote hilly area of Ward No. 8 in Nayapara Union, was founded in 2022.

In addition to providing education, the school also had a residential facility. Unfortunately, the building was damaged during heavy rainfall. The school currently accommodates approximately 50-60 students and employs two teachers.

One of the school’s founders said that after the school building was destroyed, the issue was brought to the attention of Alikadam Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Md. Nurul Shafa, who subsequently informed the Prime Minister.

He communicated the situation to the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant, Md. Syed Bin Abdullah (Syed Abdullah), over the phone. The special assistant promptly contacted the relevant authorities and initiated efforts to address the issue.

Following the Prime Minister’s directive, the matter was referred to the Alikadam Upazila administration through the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner.

Later, reconstruction of the school was carried out under the supervision of Alikadam Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Manjur Alam.

The estimated cost of rebuilding the school and hostel is around Taka 10 lakh.

Construction began on July 23, and approximately 20 percent of the work has already been completed. According to the plan, the school and hostel will be designed in accordance with the local hill architecture.

Ismail Hasan, a social worker from Alikadam Upazila, told BSS that constructing educational facilities in remote hilly regions has always posed significant challenges.

Besides, the entire establishment was devastated by a natural disaster, leading to uncertainty over the students’ educational activities.

Nevertheless, the local community has regained its composure as reconstruction efforts have swiftly begun through administrative initiatives.

Md. Nurul Chafa, convener of Alikadam Upazila Chhatra Dal, said, “Our aim was not to gain political recognition; rather, it was to ensure education for students in remote areas. Rebuilding a school transcends merely constructing a building; it is about creating opportunities to safeguard the future of an entire generation. Bangladesh’s progress will be rooted in their education and skills.

“I express my gratitude to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister for their prompt actions regarding this matter.”

School Principal Gordon Tripura remarked, “Last month, during heavy rainfall, the school collapsed, disrupting our students’ education. We are extremely pleased that the government has swiftly initiated the rebuilding process. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister for this initiative.”

Para Karbari (hill village head) Damloy Murung said that previously, there had been no educational institutions for boys and girls in the area. This school represented their only hope. They faced significant challenges when the school was damaged by the rain.

“Now, the reconstruction of the school is underway. It signifies more than just a structure to us; it symbolizes the revival of our children’s aspirations. We are grateful to the Honorable Prime Minister for this,” he said.

Alikadam Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Manjur Alam told BSS, “Our objective is to ensure that the construction is completed with high quality within the designated timeframe and to provide a conducive learning environment for the students as soon as possible.”