People of Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon are facing immense suffering for want of a bridge over Kulik River. Their long wait for the bridge is not going to end soon.

They use “Sako” (makeshift bamboo bridge) for crossing Kulik river. The villagers have to walk six to seven kilometers extra for not having a bridge to cross the river.

“It has been heard for many years that a bridge will be built. Measurement has been taken several times but no sign of actual work, said Ramiz Uddin of the area. “It seems like slaying the slain” he said.

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A 150-meter-long bridge was constructed for the people of Rautnagar area in 1986-87. But the bridge collapsed due to severe floods that year. Since then, the authorities concerned have not taken any initiative to repair or build a new bridge here. Almost three decades have passed but no reformation has been made.

People can be seen crossing the river on bicycles, motorbikes, rickshaws and vans over bamboo bridges, our local correspondent reports.

The inhabitants of 19 villages including Rasulpur, Barmapur, Bardangi, Ekannpur, Birashi, Umradangi, Lehemba, Rautnagar, Kathaldangi and Padampur from the both sides of the river cross the river for daily purposes. As there is no bridge, they have to use ‘Sako’ for crossing the river, causing immense suffering to the people.

During the dry season, the risky bamboo bridge becomes the only way to cross the river while boats in the rainy season.

Local businessman Anwar Hossain, 52, said he had to walk 10-11 km to reach Kathaldangi Hat (local bazar) to bypass Rautnagar area along the Kulik River. "If there is a bridge here, life will be easier," he added.

Shamsul Haque was collecting money from the people for using the Sako.  “I have been constructing the bamboo bridge for 33 years at my own cost enabling the people to cross the river” he said. “In return I take whatever people give”.

Ramzan Ali, 55, a farmer of Birashi village said when we see that the government officials are taking measurements for the bridge, we become happy. But unfortunately, no further development is seen. “Local representatives also assured us”. There is a risk of crossing the river during the monsoon. He added that he fell off the road with his motorcycle while crossing the river last year.

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Zahidur Rahman Zahid, MP from Thakurgaon 3-constituency said that the renovation of the Rautnagar bridge is very important. It’s a long-demanded issue of the local people. I have raised the issue in the Parliament. “There will be a tender of around Tk 20 crore for the bridge in the next two months, '' he hopes.

Chairman of Ranishankail Upazila Parishad, Shahriar Azam said he talked to LGED officials about building a bridge over the Kulik river.

Upazila Engineer Tareq Bin Islam said the proposal has been sent to LGED's head office after examining the possibility of constructing a bridge in Rautnagar area.