Trade fair near school sparks outrage among parents, students in Gaibandha

Parents, students, and locals have expressed strong resentment over preparations for a trade fair next to Model School and College, one of the prominent educational institutions in Gaibandha Sadar upazila. Concerned that the fair will disrupt the academic environment, they have already submitted a written appeal to the Deputy Commissioner demanding its cancellation.

Established in 1983 as "Kalpalata Kindergarten," the institution later evolved into a college. It is now MPO-listed and has over 1,500 students. In the most recent SSC examination, the school achieved an 86% pass rate with a significant number of students securing GPA-5, earning it a reputation for academic excellence.

The decision to set up a fair adjacent to the school premises has sparked widespread concern. The area also houses other key institutions, including the Agricultural Training Institute, PTI (Primary Teachers’ Training Institute), a technical school and college, the Department of Livestock, as well as mosques, temples, and other important social establishments.

Sources said that earlier this year, a trade fair had already taken place at Gaibandha Swadhinata Prangan. Now, for the second time in the same year, the Gaibandha Chamber of Commerce and Industry has leased the fair for Tk 5 million to a private entrepreneur, Md. Al Mamun.

Swopil, a ninth-grade student, said, “Holding a fair next to our school is ruining our study environment.”

Shah Md. Zahidul Islam, a parent, questioned, “What’s the need for two fairs in the same year? It’s distracting the students and hurting small local businesses.” He urged the authorities to relocate the fair immediately.

Shahidul Islam Khokon, a lecturer at the institution, said, “Our school has a good reputation. Parents are now questioning us because of the preparations for a commercial fair beside the school. I appeal to the higher authorities to look into this matter.”

The school’s principal, Promoda Ranjan Pal, said, “The constant clattering from the fair preparations is already making the students lose focus in class.”

When asked about their actions, he informed the reporter that a memorandum had been submitted to the Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner requesting the fair to be cancelled.

Md. Mahmud Al Hasan, the institution’s governing body president and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), confirmed that the memorandum was submitted.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Al Mamun said, “The Model School and College authorities of Gaibandha Sadar Upazila have submitted an application regarding the cancellation of the fair. I cannot comment further at this moment.”

The organizers of the fair could not be reached for comment.