Cry for bridge over Nilphamari river

People of 11 villages in Sadar and Kishoreganj upazilas of the district are suffering much for want of a concrete bridge over Charalkata river.

Locals had, at their own expense, built a makeshift 220-foot-long and five-foot-wide bamboo bridge on floating empty drums as the old one was swept away in the flood three months ago.

Locals said people use the bridge to go paddy and cattle markets like Jadurhat and Dhelapirhat and also to the district town.

“People make the bamboo bridge at their own cost  every year as it is their main way for carrying out economic activities,” said Chapra Union Parishad member Khaliqul Islam.

Even small vehicles cannot cross the bridge, compelling farmers and traders to carry goods by mini-trucks or three-wheelers using a longer route,,” said trader Zearul Islam.

Manik Das said he maintained his family by catching fish and selling those at Jadurhat market on the other side of the river crossing the bamboo bridge, which sometimes gets damaged.

UP Chairman Khalilur Rahman said, “People need the bridge for going to markets, hospitals and educational institutions as it is the shortest way.”

Jubo Club President Sirajudoula Chowdhury said before every election, candidates pledge to build the bridge if elected, but forget it after being elected.

Sadar upazila Chairman Abujar Rahman said he asked the Local Government Engineering Department officials to take steps for construction of a bridge.

Upazila Engineer Saiful Islam said, “We have sent a project proposal regarding construction of the bridge .”