Dhaka, April 25 -- A makeshift market, locally known as a Haat, has engulfed the playground of Shialkhawa Government Primary School in Lalmonirhat's Kaliganj Upazila, severely hampering the learning environment and depriving children of a space to play.

Since Apr 16, the school's 3-acre field has been occupied by a weekly livestock market that operates on Saturdays and Wednesdays. On the other days, a daily bazaar leaves no room for students to engage in sports or recreation.

Students and parents have raised concerns, warning that if the field remains occupied, it would shatter the dreams of many a young child.

Tania, a fourth-grader at the school, said: "I dream of becoming a footballer, but now we can't play in the field. We came her...