Kurigram correspondent: In 52 years of independence, no bridge has been found in Phulbari, Kurigram. Locals are risking their lives to cross the river on bamboo poles and drum rafts. Such a scene can be seen in East Dhanirampur village of Baravita Union of Upazila.
It has been seen on the ground that 3 to 4 thousand people are crossing the Neelkamal river in one kilometer with 8 to 10 bamboo poles and two drum rafts every day with unbearable suffering. Pulling a raft of drums with a rope is their constant companion in crossing the river. Now, as the water is less, the problem of crossing is less, but it becomes a great danger during the monsoon season. Due to the strong current in the river, the drum raft was washed away. Then, school-going students have to cross at risk. Many times, they fall into the water. Small traders, people involved in agriculture, and patients have to face problems during this time.
Without getting a response from the public representatives, the locals have been crossing the river every year on their own initiative with drum rafts and bamboo poles, risking their lives. As if no one is watching. The locals demand that a bridge be built quickly on that river.
Local Rafiqul Islam and Fazlul Karim said that about 500 families are living on the other side of the Nilkomal River. And about one and a half to two hundred families from this bank go to the other side of the river and cultivate on the agricultural land. What to say about the trouble? When the election comes, the representatives promise to build the bridge. If they win the election, they will not meet. So we are forced to cross the rafts of bamboo poles and drums every year on our own initiative. Every day, 2 to 3 thousand people risk crossing the river on drum rafts and bamboo poles for emergency work. Also, our sons and daughters have a lot of trouble.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sibbir Ahmed said he has promised to build a sustainable bamboo-made sanko quickly to reduce the suffering of the people.
