The wooden bridge spanning the Burail River in Khorda village, located within the Tarapur union of Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha, has recently collapsed due to incessant rain and heavy water flow.
This catastrophic incident has left approximately 50,000 residents in the region stranded and in dire need of a reliable means of transportation.
The bridge served as the sole lifeline for the people residing on both sides of the Burail River, connecting numerous villages, including Nizamkhan, Ghagoa, Chanchia, Rangpur's Talerhat, Tambulpur, Pirgacha, Charkhordda, Char Latshala, Char Tarapur in the west of the Burail River, and Ulipur upazila of Kurigram.
For nearly two centuries, locals relied on boats to cross the river until seven years ago, when a group of dedicated residents came together to construct a bamboo bridge, providing essential connectivity.
Recognizing the bridge's pivotal role in ensuring communication and transportation, local non-governmental development organizations (NGOs) and the area's Member of Parliament, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, collaborated to replace the bamboo bridge with a sturdy wooden structure three years ago. However, with its recent collapse, the affected communities are facing severe hardships. Compounding the issue, the region hosts the country's largest solar power generation center, 'Tista Solar Limited,' located adjacent to Sanko, which contributes a significant 200 MW of electricity to the national grid daily.
Additionally, the Alibaba Theme Park attracts numerous visitors, all of whom now find themselves grappling with the logistical challenge posed by the fallen bridge.
Over the past two weeks, residents of Dupar have been forced to cross the river in small boats, putting their lives at risk and enduring a grueling 25-kilometer journey.
Mizanur Rahman, a local resident, lamented the persistent neglect of the area, noting that the community has been advocating for a bridge at this location for an extended period. Despite decades of independence, the residents have been denied basic amenities like paved roads and bridges, resulting in a stagnant quality of life.
Ariful Islam, a college student, voiced the perilous conditions they now face, explaining that they have no choice but to risk their lives by crossing the river in boats due to the damaged wooden planks. The protracted waiting times for boats have compounded the woes of the 50,000 inhabitants of Char, who are yearning for the return of a reliable bridge.
Aminul Islam Lebu, Chairman of Tarapur Union Parishad, disclosed that they have submitted an application to the relevant authorities for the construction of a permanent bridge over the Burail River. Hopes are high for swift approval of this crucial project.
Sundarganj Upazila Engineer (LGED) Md. Shamsul Arefin Khan confirmed that an application for bridge construction at the site has been sent for approval. Necessary steps will be taken once the project is given the green light by the Ministry.
