Thousands suffer for want of permanent bridge

Over 10,000 people of 10 villages under Kamalapur union of Patuakhali Sadar upazila are suffering because the 300-foot bamboo bridge over Kharijjoma canal collapsed during a high tide in March last year.

Since then, villagers have been crossing the canal at some risk as their demand for a concrete bridge has not been met.

The villagers had built the lone bridge over the canal to connect Kharijjoma Bazar at their own initiative two years ago.

Students of several educational institutions currently have to cross the canal by boat, which is risky, locals say.

"We are suffering a lot because it is very difficult to go to Kharijjoma bazar and the upazila headquarters due to the lack of a bridge," says Abdur Razzak Howlader, a resident of Dharandee village.

"We built the bamboo bridge and also repaired it on our own," says Abdus Sobhan, another resident of the same village. During elections all candidates promise to construct a concrete bridge here, but they forget about it after the election, he added.

Abul Hasan, a student of Kharijjoma Ishaq High School, said "I don't go to school regularly as I have to cross the canal by boat."

"More than 300 students of different institutions are suffering a lot due to the lack of a bridge," said Israt Jahan, headmaster of the school.

"The authorities concerned should take immediate steps to relieve people's suffering," said Abdus Salam, local UP chairman. "We sent several letters to the authority concerned for construction of a bridge, but in vain," he added.

Abu Saleh Md Hanif, executive engineer of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Patuakhali, said they informed the higher authorities about the matter.

Md. Tariquzzaman Moni, chairman of Patuakhali Sadar upazila, said, " We will send a letter asking the LGED to take steps as soon as possible."