Saidul Islam Montu, Betagi (Barguna)

Commuters in Barguna's coastal upazila of Betagi are experiencing immense relief following the repair of three dilapidated iron bridges and culverts funded entirely out of pocket by a local social worker, ending years of grueling detours and daily hazards.

The initiative, undertaken by local social activist Md. Rezaul Karim, has significantly eased communication, reduced travel time, and alleviated long-standing hardships for the residents of Bibichini Union. By restoring the crossings, farmers can now transport agricultural produce and goods to local markets with ease, injecting fresh momentum into the local economy and improving overall living standards.

A field visit on Tuesday (July 28) revealed that broken sections of three bridges and culverts across canals in the Karikorpara, Majhikanda, and Gariabunia areas of Bibichini Union had been successfully repaired using concrete casting and sturdy wooden planks. The restorations have drastically reduced transit hardships for around 10,000 residents and students across three villages.

Locals noted that the infrastructure was originally constructed 7 to 10 years ago using iron, wooden sleepers, and RCC casting. Over time, heavy wear deteriorated the concrete and wood, rendering the crossings extremely hazardous. Residents and students had long been forced to cross the rickety structures at great risk, enduring endless suffering—particularly during medical emergencies—while appeals to authorities yielded no results.

Local resident Zakir Hossain said, "The bridges had been in a dilapidated and unusable state for a long time. Students and ordinary people crossed them at their own peril, and appealing to various quarters brought no resolution."

Auto-rickshaw driver Kamal Hossain expressed profound relief over the restoration, noting that it has cut down travel misery.

School students Sabrina and Nupu shared their joy over the smoother commute to educational institutions. "Because of these repairs, travel has become much easier for people across several villages. Previously, we had to take massive detours to get to school and college, and many people even suffered accidents while crossing," they said.

Local homemaker Hira Begum remarked, "He has relieved our suffering by repairing the bridges with his own funds. This noble initiative has ended the agony of countless people, and we thank him sincerely for it."

Explaining his motivation, social activist Md. Rezaul Karim of Bibichini Union said, "The bridges had been broken for a long time, posing a constant risk of major accidents, especially for children and the elderly. With the help of a few local youths, I used my own funds to repair them with RCC casting and wooden planks."

Betagi UNO Md. Saddam Hossain praised the effort, stating, "I learned about the repairs from local residents. This is undoubtedly a commendable act. When people from all walks of society come forward alongside the government, true community development takes place."