More than 20,000 people on both sides of the Veteshwar River in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat district depend on rickety bamboo bridge to cross the river as no concrete bridge was constructed over the river in the last 53 years despite repeated demand by the local people.
Their sufferings mounted with the rise of water level in the river during monsoon.
During a recent visit to the Barajan area of Chalbola union of Kaliganj upazila, the UNB correspondent found that the thousands of people including students were using the shaky bamboo bridge to reach their destinations.
Locals said they have been demanding the construction of a concrete bridge at this place of the river for a long time but their demand fell on deaf ears of the authorities, forcing them to travel through the bamboo bridge built at local initiative.
The residents of Bander Kura, Sonarhat, Harishahar, Barajan, Duhuli areas are the worst sufferers.
Locals alleged that if someone falls sick at night, his hospitlisation becomes impossible for absence of a concrete bridge.
Besides, transportation of agricultural products has become time-consuming and costly, they alleged.
The construction of a concrete bridge over the river will facilitate movement as well as economic development of the area.
The people of Chalbola, Banderkura, Sonarhat, Harishahar, Dalgram, Barajan, Duhuli, Bakalitari, Kisamat Duhuli areas of Kaliganj upazila cannot use large or medium engine driven vehicles.
Shahar Ali a resident of the upazila said, "We are suffering due to lack of a bridge. There is also a problem in transporting the crops of farmers from one place to another.”
Nurul, a resident of Duhuli village, said, "I have been using this road for necessary work since childhood. We have to suffer a lot for absence of a concrete bridge over the river. Especially in the rainy season, there is no end to suffering. If you do not want to cross the river, you have to travel 10/12 kilometers.
“Abdul Khalek, a resident of Banderkura village, said there are two schools and madrasas on one side of the river. Thousands students travel on this route every day. If the bridge is constructed, their sufferings will be reduced.” Kaliganj Upazila LGED engineer Sanjit Rana said, "I first came to know through you that the people of the area are suffering due to lack of bridge, the matter will be informed to the higher authorities."
Kaliganj UNO Zahir Imam said a bridge is needed for the movement of people in the area and it will be informed to the ministry concerned.