Saifullah Hasan, Moulvibazar
Bangladesh on one side, India on the other- an iron bridge in Juri upazila has been connecting these two countries since the British era. Constructed by Regional Transport Authorities of Great Britain, this Iron Bridge was unique for its design. Thus locals named it the British Iron Bridge. Now the bridge is in dilapidated condition, This bridge still tries to keep standing up with its former glory.
Constructed above Kata Nala River, this iron made bridge is situated adjacent to Goalbari Union under Juri upazila in Moulvibazar district. Many visitors and travelers come to visit this aesthetic constriction and the surrounding scenarios filled with hills and forest areas.
Locals of the area said that once before the partition, people of Assam and Sylhet frequently used this bridge as it was the only man-made construction that connected both the provinces of British-ruled India. Back them, Indian Session Judge court of Sylhet and Assam was situated in Moulvibazar. To use government facilities, people of Assam had to use this bridge for communication. But barbed wires and fences now block the ways to climb the bridge as this now divides the border of India and Bangladesh.
Historical documents say that this bridge was constructed at British era. Before Partition, this was the only establishment which connected Assam to Bengal. Indian Armed Forces at the time of Indo-Pak war in 1965 tried to destroy the bridge but could not complete the task due to strong resistance of Pakistani Army. As the bridge was shut down after British period, slowly the bridge became dilapidated due to lack of maintenance. Still the bridge held lot of its architectural uniqueness.
A part of the bridge collided in 2015 due to strong current.
Shafique Uddin, a local of the area said that many visitors come to see the bridge daily. Groups of motor bikers from different areas frequently visit this place due to its scenic beauty. Many also come with their families.
A local news portal editor of ‘Jurir Samay’, Ashraf Ali said, “This place holds scenic beauties of both countries. If a tourist spot is made in this place, this may become one of the best tourist spot of Moulvibazar.”
“Lathitila area is famous for its testy oranges. Many visitors also visit this place for its exquisite fruits. If authorities create a proper tourist spot around the Iron bridge area, tourists across the country will be aware of the historical bridge”, he added. Goalbari UP Chairman Shahab Uddinh Ahmed said, “Our grandfathers used that bridge to go to Karimganj to study. This bridge contains the essence and history of Moulvibazar district. Authorities should restore this historical monument.”
