Where a low bridge is an obstacle

A low-height bridge over a tributary of the Meghna River at Jamaldi in Gazaria upazila under the district makes the waterway virtually off-limits to vessels during the rains, thanks to the callousness the authorities who built the bridge in 2005.

With rise of water level in the rainy season, the vertical clearance under the bridge reduces to only around 12 feet, making it impossible even for trawlers to pass there.

The local farmers and owners of around 20 industrial units including a paper mill in the area have to transport their produces through alternative routes as they fail to take the advantage of cheap transportation through the waterway.

AMK Shamim Khan, a London expatriate, said he bought a plot at Bhater Tor for setting up an industrial unit but he has postponed the plan as the low bridge would be hinder transport of products.

"If the bridge was properly made, it would help develop socio-economic scene of the area," Khan said.

"The vessels, including those carrying industrial products, could move easily if the vertical clearance of the bridge was six feet more," said Arjurul Haque, Gazaria upazila engineer.

Local lawmaker Mrinal Kanti Das said, "A DO letter has been sent to the authorities concerned recommending raising the height of the bridge. I hope the Local Government Engineering Department would take necessary steps in this regard."