A dilapidated wooden bridge over Borokhal canel in Mothbari village, located in Morrelganj upazila of Bagerhat, is causing hardship for the people of the surrounding area. They risk their lives to cross the canal, as there are no alternative routes available.
Thousands of people from 10 villages of the upazila use this bridge to cross the canal. However, this bridge has become more like a death trap due to its deteriorating condition. It was learnt that, the connecting wooden bridge over Borokhal canel in Mothbari village under Jiudhara union in the upazila is in dilapidated condition for a long time now. It has become extremely unsafe to use. Every day, thousands of people from ten villages, including hundreds of students, use this bridge to travel to various areas.
A major accident could occur at any moment due to the bridge's precarious state. On either side of the canal, there are two government primary schools, an Alim madrasa, and various other institutions. Children and women are afraid to cross this bridge over the turbulent canal. Heavy rains often prevent students from attending school. The guardians also worry after sending their children to school.
Many students said we have to cross this broken bridge to get to our school. We take the risk to cross it. During storms and heavy rain, we do not go to school.
Locals said many people have faced accidents after falling from the bridge while trying to cross this broken structure.
A Union Parishad Member Md Harun said around 6,000 to 7,000 people from ten villages, including Mothbari, Chandontola, Ekramkhali, Thakurnotola, Kalibari, Jiudhara, Lakshmikhali, Bottala, and Borital, cross the bridge risking their lives. He demands urgent repairs to this vital bridge and the construction of a new one.
Upazila Engineer of Morrelganj LGED Md Ariful Islam said he is aware of the poor condition of the important wooden bridge in Mothbari village. In response to local residents' requests, a proposal has already been sent for the construction of a new bridge there. Work will begin as soon as the funding is allocated.
