Lakshmipur madrasah rents out classrooms, holds classes on rooftop

Classes of the Fazumiarhat Matabbarnagar Daruchhunat Fazil Madrasah in Kamalnagar upazila of Lakshmipur are held in a makeshift rooftop structure after renting out new six-classroom building constructed at a cost of Tk20 lakh.
The students reportedly suffer in the scorching heat and get drenched when it rains, disrupting their classes. According to madrasah sources, the institution was established in Matabbarhat in 1986 and relocated to Fazumiarhat in 2013 due to river erosion. It currently has 28 teachers and staff and more than 800 students.
A six-classroom building was constructed at a cost of Tk20 lakh with assistance from the Education Engineering Department in the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, the six classrooms, along with three other rooms, were allegedly rented out as shops after construction, according to the locals. The rooms are reportedly rented at Tk3,000 per month each.
Students said it is difficult to concentrate on their studies under the intense heat. When it rains, teachers have to suspend classes and move the students to other places. Guardians alleged that the madrasah authorities are neglecting the welfare of students despite having adequate classroom facilities. They also alleged irregularities in the collection and use of rent from the rooms.
Guardians Md Abdur Rob and Anwar Hossain said it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure safe and adequate classrooms for students. It is unfortunate that students are being forced to study on the roof despite having their own building,” they said.
Principal Maulana Ali Hossain acknowledged that students were suffering. “It is true that the students are suffering a lot. We are taking steps to construct another floor on the existing building. The problem will be resolved once it is completed,” he said. Asked about renting out the nine rooms, including the classrooms, he declined to comment. Lakshmipur District Secondary Education Officer Gautam Chandra Mitra said, “We will visit the institution and take necessary action after an investigation.”
Madrasa Governing Body President and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Samrat Khisa said he was unaware that the classrooms had been rented out. “We will investigate and take necessary action,” he said.