Students overjoyed as classes resume 3-day after fire
Students of Kalabari High School in Ramgarh, Khagrachhari, have returned their classes just three days after a devastating fire completely destroyed their school.
Their joy was evident as lessons resumed in a temporary building.
The fire broke out on the night of April 18, reducing the entire school to ashes. All furniture and educational materials were lost in the blaze.
Kalabari High School was established in 2022 through the initiative of former Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Pratap Chandra Biswas and Ramgarh Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khondaker Ikhtiar Uddin Arafat.
The school serves children from underprivileged families in the remote Kalabari area, with more than 100 students enrolled from classes VI to X.
Following the fire, anxiety spread among local families about the future of their children’s education.
Headmaster Md. Abdul Quader said that nothing could be salvaged, including classrooms, office equipment, furniture, computers, documents, books, and student materials.
However, swift action by local authorities brought relief. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer visited the site immediately after the incident and, as promised, arranged essential supplies such as benches, tables, chairs, whiteboards, and a school bell.
A nearby resident offered an abandoned poultry shed, which has now been converted into a temporary classroom. Classes resumed there yesterday, with nearly all students in attendance.
Local resident Khalil Member expressed his surprise at the quick recovery, saying the community had not expected the school to reopen so soon.
He credited the dedication of the Upazila administration and the headmaster for making it possible within just three days.
Students shared that they are extremely happy to be back in class.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kazi Shamim visited the temporary facility yesterday, interacted with students, and inquired about their well-being.
He assured them that the District Commissioner is taking necessary steps to construct a permanent school building.
He also thanked the students for their enthusiasm and noted their full attendance as a sign of their strong commitment to education.
