Lack of Bridge Leaves 30,000 People Across 8 Villages in Pirganj Struggling with Daily Hardships

Around 30,000 people from eight villages in Pirganj upazila of Thakurgaon have been crossing a river for years using a risky bamboo footbridge due to the absence of a permanent bridge. During the monsoon, they have to rely on makeshift rafts made of banana trees, while the unstable bamboo structure remains their only option in the dry season.

Children, students, farmers and other residents face constant risks of accidents while crossing the river. Despite years of hardship since Bangladesh’s independence, no permanent bridge has been built. Local residents collect bamboo and build or repair the temporary bridge every year through their own efforts. However, the structure becomes unstable within a year. Men, women, elderly people and children have to use this dangerous route every day to meet their livelihood and other needs.

The situation becomes worse during the monsoon when rising water levels make the bamboo bridge difficult to use. Residents are often forced to cross the river on banana rafts. Students are among those who suffer the most. Student Ruhul Amin said, “It becomes difficult for us to reach educational institutions on time, and there is always a risk of accidents.”

The lack of a proper bridge has also disrupted agriculture and local trade. Local farmer Md Shariful said farmers face severe difficulties transporting their produce, including paddy, rice, jute, maize, wheat, ginger, chilli, onions and garlic, to Pirganj market. Farmers and other residents sometimes meet with accidents while crossing the unstable bridge. Carrying heavy goods across the river is even more difficult, increasing both the time and cost of transporting agricultural products to markets.

Residents said they had repeatedly urged public representatives to build a permanent bridge, but no effective steps had been taken beyond assurances. A permanent bridge would improve communication with Pirganj upazila town and nearby areas. It would also bring positive changes to education, healthcare, agriculture and local businesses.

Residents are demanding the immediate construction of a permanent bridge at Ghiudob Ghat to facilitate communication for people from Kosharganj Union No. 2, Khangao Union No. 3 and Begunbari Union. Despite progress in various development sectors, thousands of people continue to suffer because of the absence of a single bridge. Residents are now urging the authorities to take immediate action to end their long-standing hardship.