Haimchar people endure hardship due to lack of a bridge

For the want of a concrete bridge over a wide canal lying between Ward no 5 and Ward no 6 in the Moidhyochar area of Nilkomol union in Chandpur’s Haimchar upazila, hundreds of people from Beparikandi, Maalkandi, Munshikandi, and Chairman Bazar areas have been relying on a bamboo-made bridge.

They have been enduring significant hardships for the past few years due to the absence of a concrete bridge in this location.

Given the high risk associated with the shaky bamboo bridge, elderly individuals and pregnant mothers consistently avoid using it and instead opt for boats to reach hospitals or attend other emergencies, social events, or family functions.

But many others are compelled to cross the risky bridge every day, which spans the wide canal connected to the river Meghna.

According to Liaquot Ali, headmaster of Dakhshin Nilkomol Government Primary School, there are over four hundred students enrolled in his school, and many of them must traverse this perilous bamboo bridge to attend classes.

Haimchar, nestled in the southern central expanse of Bangladesh, finds itself grappling with its geographical challenges. Within this region lies the Nilkomol union, perched on the banks of the mighty Meghna.

This area, unfortunately, falls victim to the recurring menace of river erosion, which poses a constant threat to its infrastructure and inhabitants.

Maksudur Rahman, the upazila sub-assistant engineer and also the assistant project implementation officer, said, "The soil test for the bridge was conducted one year ago."

"No tender process has been initiated yet for the construction of the bridge. It appears that the fate of the bridge is still uncertain," he added.

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