25 Manikganj villages risk lives crossing Ichamati River

A bamboo bridge over the Ichamati River is the only dependable crossing for around 25 villages in Shibaloy upazila, forcing thousands of people to risk their lives every day to reach schools, markets, hospitals and government offices, as locals demand a permanent bridge.

The makeshift bridge, near Amdala Bazar, becomes particularly dangerous during the rainy season, leaving students, farmers, patients and other residents vulnerable to accidents while crossing the river.

Several people have reportedly been injured after slipping and falling from the bridge.

The river separates Ulayel union from Arua union, with educational institutions, markets, the Paturia ferry terminal, a fire station and other important facilities located on both sides, reports UNB.

Thousands of people from the two unions use the crossing every day to reach markets, the upazila headquarters, health centres, police station, land office and other government and private offices.

Schoolchildren also have to cross the bridge at considerable risk, while some are delayed in reaching school on time, particularly during examinations.

Many primary school students do not know how to swim, leaving their parents worried about their safety.

The suffering becomes even greater when someone dies, as boats are the only option for carrying bodies across the river to burial grounds, locals said.

Sushanta Kumar Saha, a resident of Rupsa village, said students, children and elderly people often face accidents while travelling by boat.

“There is a risk of children and elderly people losing their lives in boat capsizes,” he said.

Local farmers said those living on the opposite bank have to take vegetables and other agricultural produce to Amdala Bazar for sale. They also depend on the bamboo bridge.