Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South)

Thousands of people in Tongibari in Munshiganj have been suffering in absence of a bridge.

Every day, locals take risky journeys across a branch of the Padma River near Dighirpar Bazaar using small boats or trawlers, as there is no alternative mode of transport.

With no bridge, trawlers remain the only means of crossing, leading to severe hardships, specially during storms or at night.

Residents from the char (islet ) areas commute daily across the river to reach places like Dighirpar, Kamarkhara, Hasail Banari, and Pachgao unions, as well as Shiloi and Banglabazar in the district headquarters.

A visit to the site revealed that people are constantly at risk while crossing the river due to the lack of a bridge. They often have to wait long hours for a trawler to arrive. Locals believe that if a bridge is built, the communication system between Munshiganj and Shariatpur will improve significantly, benefiting farmers and residents alike.

Monir Hossain, a local resident, stated, “Every day, people cross the Padma branch river near Dighirpar Bazaar, taking great risks. Even small children are transported in unsafe conditions. There are no life jackets for passengers, and at night, trawlers are hard to find. Even when available, fares are excessively high.”

Rifat Khalasi, a college student, mentioned, “The distance from Dighirpar ferry ghat to my house is about two kilometers. The roads on the western side of the river are in poor condition, and there is no public transport. I have to rely on motorcycles, which cost around 200 taka for the journey. Additionally, I have to wait 30-40 minutes daily for a trawler at the ghat.”

Regarding the situation, Upazila Engineer Shah Moazzem said, there is a plan to construct a bridge over the Padma branch river near Dighirpar Bazaar, with a length of over 100 meters.

Besides, a four-kilometer-long RCC road is planned for the western side of the river. A team of experts from BUET has already conducted soil tests and other surveys.

The design will be finalized soon, and a request for funding will be sent to the ministry for quick implementation of the project.