Dozens of upazilas of Sylhet metropolis have been inundated due to continuous rains and rising water level of the Surma-Kushiyara River in the hilly slopes of Indian Territory. The flood situation in cities and suburbs has also become critical. As a result, students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), who are staying outside the residential halls are not being able to leave their respective residences. Teachers, officials and employees of the educational institution are also in trouble.
As a result of heavy rains, various areas of the city and the vicinity of the university including Akhalia, Tapoban residential, Surma residential area and Neharipara have been submerged in the flood waters. In some places the water is knee- deep or waist deep. SUST students living in messes and homes in these areas are not being able to leave their houses for the university. The teachers-officers-employees of the university have become waterlogged. Many are seen doing the necessary work in plastic boats, many are swimming or soaking in water.
Due to the flood, the students are not able to study properly as the semester final exams are going on in SUST. The fourth-year students in various departments in the Tapoban area of the suburbs said the floodwaters had become a trouble for them. There is a lack of clean water and food in the mess. They are also suffering due to floods and transportation to and from campus and tuition.
However, due to the situation in the city, the date of semester final examination of some departments of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology has been rescheduled, said some teachers. Professor Mahbubur Rashid, head of the Mathematics department at the university, said that although the semester final examination was going on, a third year examination was postponed due to floods.
Professor Amina Parveen, Director of Student Advice and Guidance at SUST, said in a discussion with the Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Proctor and Heads of Departments on Wednesday, May 18th that if any student informs the department about their problems in flood situation, then it is decided to postpone the next exams.
It is learned that due to lack of adequate accommodation inside the university, various teachers-students, officials-employees live in the surrounding areas. Due to continuous rains and floods, their furniture and other essentials are being destroyed.
