A long-delayed school construction project in Koyra upazila of Khulna has stretched into its sixth year, far exceeding its original completion timeline of just eighteen months. The prolonged delay has severely disrupted academic activities, forcing hundreds of students to study in overcrowded and inadequate conditions.
The new five-storey academic building was intended to replace an ageing structure and improve the learning environment. Construction officially began on 19 March 2020, following a tender issued in August 2019. The project, valued at approximately BDT 4.25 crore, was initially scheduled for completion by 30 June 2021. However, despite multiple extensions, around 30 per cent of the work remains unfinished.
At present, the school’s 289 students are compelled to attend classes in a deteriorating tin-shed facility. The structure contains only four small classrooms, each measuring roughly 10 by 8 feet. Due to the shortage of space, five to six students are often squeezed onto benches designed for four, while others are left without seating altogether.
Teachers report that the situation has made effective instruction extremely difficult. During hot weather, the tin roof absorbs heat, creating an oppressive environment that is hardly conducive to learning. In addition, the close proximity of the classrooms allows noise to travel easily between them, further disrupting lessons.
A brief overview of the project is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project start date | 19 March 2020 |
| Original completion date | 30 June 2021 |
| Estimated cost | BDT 4.25 crore |
| Current progress | Approximately 70% completed |
| Remaining work | Approximately 30% |
| Delay duration | প্রায় 5 years beyond deadline |
Local residents and school authorities have raised serious concerns about the contractor’s performance. Allegations include repeated attempts to use substandard construction materials and prolonged periods of inactivity. At one stage, work was reportedly halted after reaching around 40 per cent completion and remained suspended for over a year.
Despite multiple complaints submitted to the district administration and the education engineering department, the pace of construction has not improved significantly. Residents attribute the delay partly to inadequate monitoring and enforcement by the authorities.
Students have expressed frustration and disappointment. One ninth-grade student said he had been watching the building under construction since his primary school years and had hoped to use the new facility before graduating. That expectation now appears unlikely to be fulfilled.
The acting head teacher stated that the lack of adequate classrooms over the past six years has prevented consistent and effective teaching, which has negatively impacted academic results. Repeated requests to the contractor to expedite the work have gone unheeded.
Attempts to contact the contractor were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and no representatives were found at the construction site.
Officials from the education engineering department confirmed that several notices have been issued to the contractor, including a final warning regarding possible cancellation of the contract. Although extensions were granted in response to requests from the contractor, authorities now say steps are being taken to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.
Unless immediate and decisive action is taken, the continued delay risks causing further harm to the education of hundreds of students already struggling under difficult conditions.