Imran Khan, Sunamganj:

The people of six upazilas, including Tahirpur, have been suffering for a long time after about 300 meters of bridge over the old Barungkha canal was broken in Tahirpur, Sunamganj.

 Due to the disruption of communication on this important route, locals are having to cross the canal by boat. This is a waste of time and money, and also increases the risk to life.

The suffering becomes more severe during the monsoon season as the water level in the canal rises. Along with local residents, tourists from home and abroad heading to the Tanguar haor are also facing hardship while traveling on this route. Specially children, women, the elderly and the sick are facing more problems while crossing the canal by boat.

However, locals are seeing a glimmer of hope in resolving this long-standing problem. The construction of a 283-meter-long bridge over the old Barungkha Canal at a cost of about Tk 550 million has already begun. The contractors Rahat Enterprise and Shamim Enterprise JB are implementing the construction of the bridge.

Babul Mia, the panel chairman of Balijuri Union Parishad, said that the people of the area have been suffering from boat crossings for a long time due to the old Barungkha canal. During the tourist season, tourists going to Tanguar haor also have to suffer. If the construction of the bridge is completed quickly, the suffering of the people will be reduced to a great extent.

Shamim Hossain, Deputy Assistant Engineer of Sunamganj Roads and Highways Department, said, "The work on the bridge has already started. The contractor is currently conducting survey work. They hope to complete the construction of the bridge within the stipulated time."

Locals claim that if the construction of the bridge is completed quickly and within the stipulated time, it will not only ease the communication system for the people of Tahirpur and six upazilas, but will also reduce the suffering of tourists going to Tanguar haor.