Thousands of people live on the banks of Lebubunia canal adjacent to Amaragachhia village of Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali district. The only hope of their movement is a shaky bamboo bridge. They have to travel through this bridge at the risk of their lives. Residents of the area have been going door to door for a long time to build a bridge at the government's expense. But no arrangement was made for the bridge. The locals have been constructing the bridge at their own expense for several years. The bamboo bridge, about 50 feet long, seems to be a thorn in the side of the villagers.
Going to the spot, it can be seen that on both sides of the bamboo bridge there is South Amragachhia Government Primary School, including Islamia Dakhil Madrasa, orphanage and mosque. Since independence, ordinary people, including students of schools, colleges and madrasas, have been traveling at the risk of their lives. Accidents are constantly happening due to slipping and falling. The victims said that no action was being taken even after telling the matter to the local people's representatives. Besides, local farmers also cross the bridge and supply their crops to different markets at the risk of accidents. The dying patients have to go to the hospital or to the doctor at the Upazila Sadar.
An old woman named Sultan Ahmed Badsha of that village said that no one came to see their suffering. He lamented, when will this suffering end? Mithila and Hridoy, a second-grade student, said they were afraid of having such a big bridge. If there was a bridge, they could even run to school.
Local UP member Sohrab Hossain said that the locals have been constructing this bamboo bridge for many years. There is no end to the suffering of the villagers. It is very important to build a bridge here. Amragachhia UP Chairman Sultan Ahmed said the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Upazila Engineer would be informed to construct a government-funded bridge at the site of the bamboo bridge. Mirzaganj Upazila Engineer Md Ashikur Rahman said that necessary steps will be taken after inspecting the bridge.
