Residents, teachers and school committee members in Mongla, Bagerhat, have alleged that soil was dug at night to build a drainage channel across playgrounds beside Bururburia Government Primary School and Bururburia Secondary School in Sundarban Union. The report, published on August 10, said large holes were made in several parts of the grounds without the knowledge or permission of school authorities. Locals fear the work will disrupt children’s sports and create accident risks.

Loveli Majumdar, accused of carrying out the work, said rainwater had flooded her home and trees, prompting her to arrange drainage through a pipe after speaking with secondary school headteacher Dhirendra Nath Mridha. She said she spent Tk20,000 on pipes and worked for two days before the work was stopped. Mridha denied authorizing any soil cutting and said the claim was false.

Primary school headteacher Julekha Khanam and managing committee president Nazmul Badsha said they were unaware of the work. Upazila Primary Education Officer Pintu Ranjan Das said the work should not have been conducted in that manner. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi said the allegation would be investigated and legal action taken if it is found true.