The health of approximately 300 students at Bakhra Girl’s Government Primary School in Kahaloo Upazila is under threat due to an illegal crude oil dumping point established in an abandoned pond adjacent to the premises.
Located in Ward No-5 of Murail Union, the site has become a source of chemical contamination, causing significant distress to both the school-going children and residents. Many, including young children, have reportedly fallen ill due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
On-site observations reveal that the school field is currently submerged in oily water and waste.
The adjacent pond has been filled with thousands of white sacks containing rice husk mixed with chemicals.
Local resident Shahin Badsha explained that as these sacks rot, they produce a type of oil which is reportedly sold at low prices to local shopkeepers for frying snacks.
Residents noted that as temperatures rise, the chemical stench becomes unbearable, leading to widespread respiratory issues and breathing difficulties among the population.
The environmental impact has extended to local agriculture. Alamin, a resident, reported that toxic water overflowing from the pond has entered nearby paddy fields, destroying his crops.
He has urged Kahaloo Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to conduct an inspection or deploy a mobile court to relocate the dumping site.
The human cost is evident in the testimony of Atowar Rahman, a parent and local resident, who has stopped sending his daughter to school.
He said his daughter fell ill after encountering the contaminated water and inhaling the toxic air. “I do not want to lose my child prematurely,” he said, vowing not to return her to classes until a healthy environment is restored.
Allegations of intimidation have also surfaced. A local youth, Kamruzzaman, alleged that individuals affiliated with the ruling party are involved in the operation.
He claimed that those who protest or ask them to cease their activities are met with threats.
The owner of the pond, Abu Hanif, claimed he was misled. He said three to four months ago, an acquaintance named Madhu leased the pond for one year under the guise of fish farming.
Shortly after, five trucks arrived under the cover of night to fill the pond with the sacks. Hanif maintained that he was unaware of the environmental consequences at the time of the agreement.
Educational authorities have expressed grave concern. Abdus Salam, the headteacher of the school, said verbal requests to those involved in the dumping went unheeded.
Consequently, he submitted a written complaint to the UNO on 18th June, though he noted that no effective measures have been taken yet.
Md Rezwan Hossain, the Bogura district primary education officer, confirmed he is aware of the situation and has instructed the upazila education officer and the assistant upazila education officer (ATEO) to take necessary action.
The newly appointed Kahaloo UNO Maliha Khanam assured that the matter would be treated with the utmost priority.
“The disruption of the learning environment for young students will not be tolerated,” she stated, promising a thorough investigation and swift remedial steps.
