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When procrastination seems to be the second nature to this nation in general and only more so with the administrative set-ups, the notice issued by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) on April 3 last for demolition and sealing off high-risk structures of 42 educational institutions within seven working days smacks of extraordinary urgency. Following the March 7, 2023 explosion inside the capital's Siddikbazar, in which 24 people died, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) identified those 42 buildings among other risky buildings on March 12, 2023. The urgency of doing the job within so short a time is exemplary. How could the Rajuk accomplish the job so promptly? Under the Rajuk's Urban Resilient Project's "Vulnerability Assessment and Prioritised Investment Plan for Critical assets in Dhaka" a survey was carried on 3,252 structures. That held the key to the prompt identification.
However, a year has passed by this time and on Rajuk's recommendation for demolition of the vulnerable buildings posing risks to lives of students and teachers, the DSHE has ordered prompt demolition of those. In a country where years and decades pass before tragedy happens because of mindless neglect of the most essential remedial action, here is certainly a refreshing departure. Both the Rajuk and DSHE have demonstrated a sense of urgency rarely seen in most cases even when the authorities know well how faulty systems for a lack of timely redressal are ticking like a time bomb to lead to a catastrophe.
Yet if and when this order is carried out, some problems are likely to arise with the academic activities of the educational institutions concerned. The timing for demolition is appropriate, no doubt, because right now all educational institutions are closed on the occasion of Eid vacation. But there are schools and colleges which have their candidates appearing for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam scheduled to begin on June 30 next. Students of educational institutions that have alternative buildings to carry on with academic routines may not be adversely affected but those not having the luxury of any such alternative accommodation will be in dire straits.
True, safety of life takes precedence over all other concerns but at the same time it is also naive to demolish the structures before making an arrangement for routine classes and curricular activities. The issue here is tricky. If the buildings are not demolished and something untoward happens, the DSHE will be held responsible for not taking timely action. Now the question is, how much time did the DSHE get before it came to know of the need for demolishing those school and college buildings so urgently.
Dhaka Collegiate School building came under the demolition programme a few days ago and its alumni and organisations caring for heritage demonstrated against the move. The issue of heritage is important but it may not get priority in this case because of shortage of space. This school has, however, other buildings to carry on with academic activities and the urban planners are the right people to give expert opinion on this. If the campus could retain its usual character without pulling down the old building, it made good heritage sense.
For other schools and colleges found risky may not have such a rich heritage and their main concern would now be to continue with routine academic works, particularly at a time when storms and rains are common. An alternative arrangement for classes, even if it is temporary, is most urgent. Construction of permanent structures should also follow as early as possible.