Baghaichhari (Rangamati) Correspondent:

Kachalong Girls' High School is the only girls' school in Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati. Students from different areas of the upazila come here to study. Every year, the school's results in public examinations are satisfactory and commendable. The school currently has 18 teachers and staff and more than 330 students.

However, recently, the entire educational program has come to a standstill due to the submergence of the only access road to the school. The road from Lal Mia's house to the school grounds has been submerged under water for 7-8 days, so teachers and students are unable to travel to the school. Due to which the pre-selection examination for class 10 has also been cancelled, which is a big setback for the students.

Assistant teacher of the school Md. Abdul Hamid said, “Students from different villages of the entire upazila study here, not only from Baghaichhari municipality. Every year during the monsoon, the road from Lal Mia’s house to the school ground is submerged from knee to waist in water. This time, the road has been submerged for 7-8 days. Last year too, we informed the Rangamati Zilla Parishad and Upazila Executive Officer about the matter. But no visible action has been taken yet. The school pays about 50,000 taka in municipal tax every year. However, safe transportation is not being arranged for the students. If this continues for a long time, the quality of education and the environment will be severely damaged.”

Another assistant teacher Lokbal Talukder said, “Teachers are not able to come to school regularly, students are also not able to come. This not only stops teaching, but also prevents exams. Students are wasting time sitting at home. If this continues, their future will be uncertain. Not only studies, but mental stress also increases. We are deeply concerned.”

Bhumika Chakma, a 10th grade student, said, “We are falling behind in our studies because the pre-selection exams have been cancelled. We cannot come to school, it is difficult to study at home. The road should be raised quickly by the organization.”

Naureen Jahan Ria, a 9th grade student, said, “Coming to school every day has become scary. During the rainy season, we have to face risks while crossing water. Now the entire road is under water. Apart from harming our studies, the safety of the students is also at risk.”

After visiting the site and talking to several teachers of the school, it was learned that the matter was reported to the concerned ministry, Rangamati Zilla Parishad and Upazila Nirbahi Officer and an application was also made for reforms. But no visible initiative has been taken from any department so far. This has increased anger and frustration among the teachers, students and parents of the school.

Everyone has one demand - that the road leading to the school be renovated and rebuilt to a height of at least three feet from Lal Mia's house to the school, so that teachers and students can move around freely throughout the year and the school's educational activities can continue.