Crossing the rickety footbridge is not only dangerous but also hazardous for the people of Ishabpur, Noagaon, Munshirgaon, Bharmanjhuli, Pathonchak, Amtoil Gazir Mokam, Sonali Banglabazar and Boiragirbazar areas.
Communication becomes more difficult during the rainy season when the river rises. People, especially school goers and the elderly, are the worst sufferers.
Locals said they asked the authorities concerned to build a concrete bridge over the river but their appeals fell on deaf ears, forcing them to raise funds for a bamboo footbridge over the river themselves.
Kamal Uddin and Babul Mia, both farmers from the area, said the upazila sadar is about 10 kilometres from Lamakazi but the lack of a proper bridge over the river makes road communication hard.
“Only a bridge is holding us back,” Babul said. “The area has hardly been developed since independence.”
Kabir Hossain Dhala Mia, chairman of Lamakazi union parishad, said the residents of the area are deprived of development.
“I’m trying my best to improve the communication system. The people of this region will be greatly benefitted if a bridge is constructed over this river,” he said.