Constructing a bridge over Brahmaputra a crying need

From Balasighat in Fulchhari upazila of Gaibandha to Bahadurabadghat in Jamalpur district, boats are still only means of travel.

A small boat plies its way across the Brahmaputra. It crosses from one end to the other with a crowd of passengers taking time from morning to afternoon. The passengers have no other choice but to cross the river, despite fear on their faces and discomfort in their eyes.

Every day, hundreds of people cross this vast river risking their lives. A slight storm or heavy rain or strong current makes boating terrifying. Carrying excess passengers is almost a regular occurrence. Accidents happen occasionally and countless people have lost their lives this way so far.

This suffering is not limited to crossing. Farmers, students, and patients all suffers from its negative effects in one way or another.

The fertile soil of the char region produces a lot of rice, jute, sweet potatoes, nuts and various vegetables. But the produces cannot reach the country's major markets, including the capital Dhaka, on time.

As a result, a large amount of crops get wasted. Farmers are deprived of fair prices. Similarly, traders also take risks in crossing the river, increasing transportation costs. As a result, the economy of this region is not able to progress as expected.

Crossing the river every day is a terrifying experience for school and college-going students. Especially girls face various obstacles in their path to education. If emergency treatment is needed, it is not possible to take the patient to the hospital quickly. Many times, the patient dies in the boat or at the ghat.

Locals have been demanding the construction of a bridge at Balasighat-Bahadurabadghat for a long time.

According to them, once the bridge is built, there will be a radical change in the communication system of eight districts of North Bengal. A direct connection with Dhaka will be established and time and money will be saved. Business, trade, education and medical treatment will gain momentum. The people of the char region are now chanting a slogan-"Bridges are not a luxury, a bridge in Balasi-Bahadurabad is now a necessity of the time."

Wahiduzzaman Biswas Toha, chairman of Biswas Foundation, told The Financial Express, "This bridge will bring not only the people of the Char region, but the entire North Bengal closer to the capital. Agricultural produces will be marketed quickly, and there will be a positive impact on the economy."

Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Fulchhari Upazila Branch President and Principal Ibrahim Akando Selim told the Financial Express, "We have been crossing this river for years. There is no account how many lives have been lost in this river. A bridge will bring new light to our lives and livelihoods."

Now the people of the Char region have only one desire-a bridge in Balasi-Bahadurabad. This is no longer just a development plan; it is their life's demand. The construction of this bridge is essential for safe transportation, fair prices of agricultural produces, for a bright future of students and saving the lives of patients.

Former president of Gaibandha Chamber of Commerce, freedom fighter Makchudar Rahman Shahan told the Financial Express that once the bridge was built, North Bengal would reach a new horizon of possibilities. Communication by road and rail will be easier, and revolutionary changes will come in the agriculture, industry and tourism sectors.