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Thirty-two families living in an Ashrayan project in Babuganj, Barishal, have been effectively cut off after the only bamboo-and-wood footbridge over the Rajarber Canal collapsed.
Residents of North Rahmatpur village in Rahmatpur union are now struggling to reach the upazila headquarters and nearby areas. They had been using makeshift banana-tree rafts to cross the canal, but the raft has also collapsed, leaving the crossing even more dangerous.
The bridge had long been in poor condition. Its collapse has particularly affected children, women, elderly people and patients. Students of the nearby Justice Abdul Jabbar Khan Government Primary School have also been hit, with many children reportedly unable to attend classes for about two weeks.
Residents say shopping, medical treatment and other essential travel have become difficult. Some have even been forced to crawl across the canal bank to get around the damaged crossing.
Resident and van driver Babul Hawladar said the bridge was the only route for the 32 families and urged authorities to build a permanent bridge.
Local ward member Md Ziaul Haque said a temporary bridge had originally been built by the owners of Five Star Brick Kiln and was used daily by local residents. He called for a permanent structure over the canal.
Babuganj UNO Asma Ul Husna said she had recently learned of the collapse and had taken steps to repair the crossing with bamboo and wood with local assistance. She said the temporary repair would soon ease the residents’ difficulties.