BAGHA, RAJSHAHI, Sept 20: The people of 15 chars in Chakrajapur Union of Rajshahi's Bagha Upazila are suffering due to the lack of a bridge over the Padma River.
According to field sources, there are six ghats (ferry terminals) on the channel of the Padma River in the upazila: Shimultala Ghat, Chandpur Ghat, Palpara Ghat, Sorerhat Ghat, Khaerhat Club Ghat, and Khaerhat Halim Master's Ghat. If a bridge is constructed at any of these ghats, nearly 15,000 people from the 15 chars will be able to travel to the upazila headquarters with ease.
Chakrajapur Union is located within the Padma River. It contains 15 chars, including Chakrajapur Char, Kalidaskhali Char, Laxminagar Char, Dadpur Char, Udpur Char, Palashi Fatepur Char, and Fatepur Palashi Char. The people of these chars cross the river by boat during the monsoon season and by bamboo footbridges or on foot during the dry season. Many have gone missing while crossing by boat, and some have even died.
Although there are nine primary schools and two secondary schools within the Padma, there is no higher secondary college. Due to the lack of transportation facilities, students discontinue their studies after passing the secondary level. Those who continue their studies have to travel to the upazila headquarters with great difficulty.
Various agricultural products grown on the chars are sent to Dhaka and other parts of the country after meeting local demand.
Due to the poor communication system, farmers are forced to sell their produce to middlemen at very low prices.
Regarding this issue, Rezaul Karim, a former member of Dadpur Char, said, "Due to the lack of a bridge, it is not possible to properly market the agricultural products produced here. If a bridge is built for transportation, the people of the char will be able to market their agricultural products properly, and the general public will also be able to travel safely."
Upazila Engineer Belal Hossain said, "The paperwork for a 600-metre bridge at Khaerhat Halim Master's Ghat has been sent to the ministry for approval."
