Several thousand people, including students, of Khanakuniary and Ekpai Jujkhola villages under Pirojpur Sadar upazila of the district are facing untold suffering as a very important bridge has remained damaged for over ten years.

Locals said the iron-frame concrete bridge over the Nimar Khal and adjacent to Khanakuniary PER Senior Degree Madrasa was damagedin 2005. Locals repaired the bridge with wood. But the condition of the bridge later worsened, and they could not repair it.

The people have made a bamboo bridge over the canal, which is very risky to cross, especially for students. Hundred of students use the bridge to attend Khanakuniary PER Senior Degree Madrasa, facing serious risk.

"When we cross the bridge, we feel afraid that we might fall into the canal," says Eti Khanam, a Class III student of the madrasa.

"Everyday, my father or my elder brother helps me cross the bridge," says Nadim Sheikh, a Class 1 student of the same madrasa.

"Over four thousand people of two villages use the bamboo bridge," said Md Moniruzzaman, adding that a new bridge is needed immediately to remove the suffering of the people as well as to avoid accidents.

"Around 500 students study at our madrasa and over 40 percent of them have to cross the risky bridge to attend classes," said MA Gani Mahmud, principal of the madrasa.  

"Students sometimes fall into the canal and their books get damaged," he adds.