Around 350 students of Poshchim Citki Girls' High school in Kathalia upazila under the district have to attend classes in a risky building.

Built in 1956, a house of the institution, also the first girls' high school in the district, was declared abandoned 15 years ago, said Dulal Howlader, chairman of the school managing committee.

"Six years ago, a fourth class employee named Parvoti Howlader fell off the roof of the schoolhouse as it partly broke. Later she succumbed to her injuries due to the accident," said Nirmol Mistry, acting headmaster of the school.

"As the building turned too risky, we are conducting classes in another building of the school. But that too is in a not so good condition and accommodation problem hampers classroom teaching," he said.

"We are especially worried as children often enter the abandoned building, ignoring our warning. It should be demolished as early as possible for safety of the kids," he added.

Ishita Roy, a student of class X, said, "We remain away from the abandoned building but students of

junior classes often enter it. Several incidents of minor injuries occurred there as plasters often fall off the roof and walls."

“The responsibility of demolishing such a dilapi-

dated building lies with the facilities department. I will take necessary steps within the shortest possible time,' said the UNO of Kathalia.

HM Abdur Rahman Palash, Kathalia upazila

engineer (additional duty) of facilities department, said, "I have received the duty recently. After visiting the school I will take necessary steps regarding the risky building."