Manikganj:A bamboo bridge spanning the Ichamati River serves as the sole crossing for approximately 25 villages in Shibaloy upazila, compelling thousands of residents to traverse it daily despite the risks. This precarious structure is crucial for accessing schools, markets, hospitals, and government offices, prompting locals to call for a permanent bridge.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the bridge, located near Amdala Bazar, becomes especially hazardous during the rainy season, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Numerous individuals have suffered injuries after slipping and falling from the bridge, which connects Ulayel union to Arua union, hosting essential facilities on both sides.
Thousands rely on the crossing each day to reach vital locations like markets, health centers, and government offices. Schoolchildren face significant risks, with many arriving late to school, particularly during exams, while parents express concern about their children's safety, as many young students cannot swim.
The difficulty intensifies during funerals, as the absence of a bridge means bodies must be transported by boat across the river for burial. Sushanta Kumar Saha, a resident of Rupsa village, highlighted the dangers faced by students and the elderly when traveling by boat, emphasizing the risk of capsizing.
Local farmers must cross the river to bring produce to Amdala Bazar, relying heavily on the bamboo bridge. Residents have long demanded a permanent structure, organizing protests and forming human chains to press for the construction of a bridge, which would benefit around 25 villages in the area.
Ulayel Union Parishad Chairman Anisur Rahman stated that a bridge would enhance connectivity and ease the challenges faced by students and patients. Upazila engineer Md. Abdur Razzaque of the Local Government Engineering Department confirmed that a bridge project is now underway, addressing the previous lack of connecting roads on either side of the river.